Montero’s earlier comments have resurfaced after Zapatero was charged in the Plus Ultra investigation.
The indictment of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in the so-called Plus Ultra case has brought renewed attention to previous public statements made by María Jesús Montero, who repeatedly praised the Socialist leader during the recent Andalusian campaign and even stated that she hoped to become like him politically in the future.
The former Finance Minister’s remarks have resurfaced after the court moved to investigate Zapatero for alleged offenses such as influence peddling, participation in a criminal organization, and document forgery tied to the probe into the Plus Ultra airline bailout.
During several campaign events organized by the Andalusian branch of the PSOE, Montero portrayed the former prime minister as a key figure within the party. At a rally in Jaén, she described him as her “good luck charm” and said he was “a good man” and a political example she would like to emulate.
Public expressions of backing were likewise echoed at gatherings in Huelva and Cádiz, where Montero underscored Zapatero’s place as one of Pedro Sánchez’s key political allies and commended his dedication to upholding the Socialist project. She went so far as to say that, when her own political path concludes, she hopes that “in a few years” she might become someone akin to the former prime minister.
Those remarks have gained fresh political relevance after Zapatero was indicted by Spain’s National Court. The investigating judge is assessing whether the former Socialist leader was involved in an alleged influence network connected to the authorization of public aid for Plus Ultra during the pandemic.
The judicial case focuses on the €53 million government bailout approved in 2021 to prevent the airline’s collapse. Investigators are examining whether improper political pressure or institutional influence may have been used to favor the company during the approval process.
According to court documents included in the proceedings, the judge believes Zapatero may have used his institutional contacts to facilitate favorable decisions related to the rescue package. The investigation is also examining alleged business connections and payments involving figures close to the former prime minister.
While opposition parties have used Montero’s past comments to intensify political pressure on the PSOE, Socialist officials continue to defend Zapatero’s presumption of innocence until the judicial process is completed.
Main Source: Libertad Digital https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2026-05-19/la-bochornosa-hemeroteca-de-montero-con-zapatero-imputado-en-el-caso-plus-ultra-en-unos-anos-quiero-ser-como-el-7406422/
