Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces questioning by judge in corruption probe
Investigators say Zapatero led a hierarchical scheme that used opaque financial channels, while police found jewelry and luxury watches valued at €1.3 million.
- On Wednesday, Judge José Luis Calama rejected former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's request to suspend his two-day testimony, clearing the way for his appearance at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid.
- Investigators placed Zapatero under formal investigation last month for alleged influence peddling tied to the 2021 bailout of airline Plus Ultra, which received €53 million in public funds following the Covid-19 pandemic.
- A police search of Zapatero's office uncovered luxury watches and jewelry valued at €1.3 million, prompting Judge Calama to probe potential tax fraud and smuggling while alleging the former leader operated a "stable and hierarchical" structure.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed "full support" for his mentor, though University of Valencia professor Astrid Barrio warned the investigation threatens the reputation of the "moral beacon of Pedro Sanchez and the current Socialist party."
- The investigation adds to graft probes threatening the government, as the Socialists have suffered four regional election drubbings since late 2025 while the conservative Popular Party demands resignation citing systemic corruption.
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Spain's former PM Zapatero faces questioning by judge in corruption probe
Spain’s former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is appearing before a judge to answer questions related to his alleged role in a government airline bailout and his possession of valuable jewelry discovered by a police raid.
The press is not talking about anything else: Zapatero's appearance before the judge
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's illegal activities seem to have a long history, even predating his time as Prime Minister. On the very day he is due to appear before Judge José Luis Calama, charged with alleged crimes of organized crime, influence peddling, and forgery in the Plus Ultra case, in addition to the smuggling of the infamous jewels, more curious details continue to emerge, such as the fact that he paid his housekeeper under the table,…
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