Zapatero Implicated as Part of a Criminal Network 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.
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.
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 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 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 within the Socialist Party diverged considerably, with some senior PSOE figures expressing support for Zapatero and calling for patience as the judicial process unfolded, while others admitted the seriousness of the accusations and the potential political repercussions 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/
