Spanish ex-PM Zapatero investigated over airline bailout

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is being formally investigated by Spain’s top criminal court for alleged influence peddling and related crimes. He is the first current or former Spanish prime minister to face such a judiciary investigation since Spain returned to democracy after Francisco Franco’s death in 1975. The probe is part of the Plus Ultra case involving a state bailout of the domestic airline Plus Ultra through the state holding company SEPI during the coronavirus pandemic. The 53 million euro bailout was approved in 2021 using COVID-19 recovery funds, after Zapatero left office in 2011. Critics question whether the bailout was properly approved, whether Plus Ultra was a clear strategic asset, and whether its financial situation and Venezuela links were appropriately considered. Zapatero has been summoned to testify on June 2.

"Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, an ally of current Socialist Premier Pedro Sanchez, is being investigated for alleged influence peddling and related crimes, the country's top criminal court said on Tuesday. Zapatero has thus become the first Spanish prime minister current or former to be formally investigated by the judiciary since Spain's return to democracy following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975."

"The investigation is part of so-called Plus Ultra case, which centers around the state bailout of the domestic airline Plus Ultra through the state holding company SEPI during the coronavirus pandemic. The 53 million ($62 million) bailout, which came in 2021 and thus years after Zapatero had left office in 2011, was sourced from COVID-19 recovery funds. Zapatero is seen by critics as having possibly facilitated the aid, since he is known to have maintained business ties in Venezuela, where some of Plus Ultra's shareholders are based."

"The High Court is examining whether the bailout was properly approved, with opposition parties saying that the airline was not a clear strategic asset, while also questioning the airline's financial situation and its links to Venezuela. Zapatero has been summoned to testify before a judge on June 2."

"The conservative opposition People's Party (PP) has persistently highlighted Zapatero's business links to Venezuela in the years since he departed from government. On Tuesday, the party described the former prime minister as Sanchez's "muse" and underlined the fact that both politicians were now facing"

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