Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces questioning by judge in corruption probe
Zapatero denied wrongdoing as the judge examined alleged influence peddling and a separate jewelry probe involving €1.3 million in valuables.
- On Wednesday, Judge José Luis Calama rejected former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's request to suspend his two-day testimony, clearing the way for his appearance at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid.
- Investigators placed Zapatero under formal investigation last month for alleged influence peddling tied to the 2021 bailout of airline Plus Ultra, which received €53 million in public funds following the Covid-19 pandemic.
- A police search of Zapatero's office uncovered luxury watches and jewelry valued at €1.3 million, prompting Judge Calama to probe potential tax fraud and smuggling while alleging the former leader operated a "stable and hierarchical" structure.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed "full support" for his mentor, though University of Valencia professor Astrid Barrio warned the investigation threatens the reputation of the "moral beacon of Pedro Sanchez and the current Socialist party."
- The investigation adds to graft probes threatening the government, as the Socialists have suffered four regional election drubbings since late 2025 while the conservative Popular Party demands resignation citing systemic corruption.
117 Articles
117 Articles
Has José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero enriched himself with millions? For the first time, a former Spanish head of government has to testify in court.
Everyone had great expectations before the statement of the former President of the Government before Judge Calama. I have to admit that he had none, beyond seeing how a process that will necessarily be long begins and whose conclusion is uncertain at the moment. Some would have wanted his departure to coincide with his exoneration and even with applause from the people who were on the street. Others wanted his admission to pretrial detention. I…
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, head of government from 2004 to 2011, was summoned this Wednesday to answer accusations of "influence trafficking" and "money laundering". The affair politically weakens his socialist successor Pedro Sánchez.
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n1info.rsBivši španski premierer Hose Luis Rodriges Sapatero izašao je danas pred sudiju u Madridu u vezi sa njegovom navodnom ulogom u davanju državne pomoći jednoj aviokompaniji i povezanosti sa nakitom otkrivenim u policijskom pretresu njegove kancelarije.
Spanish ex-PM Zapatero defends ‘honesty’ after graft hearing
Spain’s former prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is seen waving as he arrives at Madrid’s court. (AFP pic) MADRID: Former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on Wednesday defended his “decency and honesty” after making an unprecedented court appearance on suspected influence peddling, the latest corruption affair threatening the leftist government. The investigation into the Socialist titan comes as a string of graft pr…
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