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 proceedings, investigators are examining alleged crimes including membership in a criminal organization, influence peddling, and document falsification connected to the public funds granted to Plus Ultra during the pandemic. The judge overseeing the case believes there are sufficient indications to summon Zapatero for questioning, with his court 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 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 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 remained a controversial issue in Spain for years due to questions surrounding the airline’s financial situation, the use of public money, and alleged political connections uncovered during the investigation.
Source: Libertad Digital – https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2026-05-19/ultima-hora-zapatero-imputado-trafico-de-influencias-en-directo-7406388/
