Spain's former PM Zapatero faces corruption probe

Spain’s High Court is investigating former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for alleged influence peddling and related crimes connected to the Plus Ultra airline case. His Madrid office and three other premises were searched, and he was summoned to testify on June 2. The probe centers on a 2021 state rescue in which Plus Ultra received 53 million euros via SEPI during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case escalated after arrests, including businessman Julio Martinez Martinez, and allegations that Zapatero pushed the Ministry of Transport to approve the rescue. Suspicion also involves Analisis Relevante and claims of commissions and payments. The court is examining whether the aid was properly approved and whether improper lobbying occurred, amid political controversy over financial viability and ownership links to Venezuelan figures tied to Nicolas Maduro.

"The High Court said on Tuesday that Zapatero's office in Madrid was searched along with three other premises, adding that the former premier had been summoned to testify on June 2. The investigation is tied to the 2021 state rescue of Plus Ultra, which received 53 million euros ($62m) through the state holding company SEPI during the COVID-19 pandemic."

"Zapatero is alleged to have been the driving force behind the airline's bailout and is accused of having pressed the Ministry of Transport, then led by Jose Luis Abalos, to approve the rescue. Suspicion also centres on Analisis Relevante, Julito's company, which allegedly received the same amount Plus Ultra later paid to Zapatero."

"Victor de Aldama, a Spanish businessman involved in other corruption probes, has alleged Zapatero received 10 million euros ($12m) in commissions. The bailout remained politically controversial because critics questioned both Plus Ultra's financial viability and the company's ownership links to Venezuelan businessmen seen as close to the government of then-President Nicolas Maduro, raising concerns about transparency and possible political influence."

"The court is examining whether the aid was properly approved and whether any improper lobbying or influence was involved. Speaking to the newspaper El Pais, the president of the Andalusian regional government, Juanma Moreno, said: There has never been a serious investigation process, much less an indictment of a former president. This is something unprecedented and will shake up the government."

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