Zapatero Accused of Belonging to a Criminal Organization in the Plus Ultra Case
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has been officially named as a subject of investigation by Spain’s National Court in connection with the ongoing judicial probe into the contentious state bailout granted to the airline Plus Ultra, a development that has heightened political friction in Spain and triggered broad reactions across the nation’s political sphere.
According to court filings, investigators are reviewing alleged offenses such as involvement in a criminal organization, influence trafficking, and document forgery linked to the public funds awarded to Plus Ultra during the pandemic, and the judge in charge considers there is enough evidence to call Zapatero in for questioning, with his hearing set for early June.
Throughout the investigation, it was reported that anti-corruption police officers executed searches at various offices and businesses linked to individuals tied to the case, including those associated with Zapatero’s professional sphere, while authorities suspect that a network of consulting and intermediary firms might have been employed to manage financial dealings and potential commissions related to the airline rescue package.
Zapatero publicly refuted any allegation of misconduct, asserting that his professional and financial affairs have consistently adhered to Spanish law. The former Socialist leader likewise dismissed claims that he had leveraged his political influence for private gain and affirmed his readiness to cooperate fully with judicial authorities.
The development promptly sparked intense political pushback, with opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo pressing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration for clarity, while Vox urged stronger political accountability in response to the scandal, and several Popular Party regional leaders warned that the probe severely undermined Spain’s institutional credibility.
Within the Socialist Party, reactions were mixed. Some senior PSOE figures expressed support for Zapatero and urged caution until the judicial process advances further. Others acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations and the potential political consequences for the government.
The Plus Ultra bailout has long stirred debate in Spain, fueled by doubts about the airline’s financial health, the allocation of public funds, and the alleged political ties revealed throughout the investigation.
Source: Libertad Digital – https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2026-05-19/ultima-hora-zapatero-imputado-trafico-de-influencias-en-directo-7406388/
