Portugal's economy minister has resigned after making an offensive gesture during a parliamentary debate. His departure, under a cloud, has damaged the image of the government just three months before a general election that could see the Socialists lose their absolute majority.

Manuel Pinho held his two index fingers to his forehead, suggesting horns - the sign of a cuckold - during an exchange with a Communist deputy over miners' jobs during a state-of-the-nation debate on Thursday.