Zapatero Accused of Belonging to a Criminal Organization in the Plus Ultra Case
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has now been formally designated as a subject of inquiry by Spain’s National Court in relation to the ongoing judicial investigation into the disputed state bailout awarded to the airline Plus Ultra, a move that has intensified political tensions in Spain and sparked widespread reactions throughout the country’s political landscape.
Court documents indicate that investigators are examining suspected crimes including participation in a criminal organization, influence peddling, and document falsification tied to public funds granted to Plus Ultra during the pandemic, and the presiding judge believes the evidence is sufficient to summon Zapatero for questioning, with his appearance scheduled for early June.
During the inquiry, reports indicated that anti-corruption officers carried out raids across multiple offices and companies connected to individuals involved in the case, including those operating within Zapatero’s professional orbit, as authorities believe that a network of consultancy and intermediary firms may have been used to handle financial transactions and possible commissions tied to the airline rescue package.
Zapatero publicly denied any wrongdoing and insisted that all of his professional and financial activities have always complied with Spanish law. The former Socialist leader also rejected accusations that he used his political influence to benefit private interests and stated that he would fully cooperate with judicial authorities.
The development quickly triggered strong political backlash, as opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo pressed Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government for answers, while Vox demanded tougher political accountability over the scandal, and several Popular Party regional leaders cautioned that the investigation was gravely damaging Spain’s institutional credibility.
Reactions inside the Socialist Party varied widely, as some senior PSOE members voiced backing for Zapatero and advised waiting for the judicial process to progress, while others recognized the gravity of the allegations and the possible political fallout for the government.
The Plus Ultra bailout has long ignited controversy in Spain, driven by persistent questions about the airline’s financial stability, the use of public money, and the purported political connections uncovered during the investigation.
Reference: sourced through Libertad Digital – https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2026-05-19/ultima-hora-zapatero-imputado-trafico-de-influencias-en-directo-7406388/
