Zapatero Charged With Membership in Criminal Group in 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.
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 rejected every accusation of wrongdoing, stating that his professional and financial activities have always complied with Spanish law, while the former Socialist leader also downplayed assertions that he exploited his political influence for personal benefit and confirmed his willingness to cooperate completely 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 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/
