Spain’s former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, an ally of current Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, is being investigated for alleged influence peddling and related crimes, the country’s top criminal court said Tuesday.
Zapatero thus becomes the first Spanish prime minister – current or former – to be formally investigated by the judiciary since Spain’s return to democracy following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.
The announcement comes as Sanchez himself is under pressure amid an investigation into alleged bribery involving key members of his inner circle, as well as investigations focusing on his wife and his brother.
Why is Zapatero being investigated?
The investigation is part of the so-called Plus Ultra case, which centers around the state bailout of domestic airline Plus Ultra through state holding company SEPI during the coronavirus pandemic.
The €53 million ($62 million) bailout, which came in 2021 and thus several years after Zapatero left office in 2011, was obtained from the COVID-19 recovery fund.
Zapatero is seen by critics as possibly providing assistance, as he is known to maintain business ties in Venezuela, where some of Plus Ultra’s shareholders are based.
He has been called to testify before a judge on June 2.
The High Court is investigating whether the bailout was properly approved, with opposition parties saying the airline was not a clear strategic asset, while the airline’s financial condition and its ties to Venezuela were also questioned.
Strong criticism from the opposition
The conservative opposition People’s Party (PP) has consistently highlighted Zapatero’s business ties with Venezuela in the years since his departure from government.
On Tuesday, the party described the former prime minister as Sanchez’s “muse” and highlighted the fact that both politicians now face corruption charges.
“Both have used their families to enrich themselves and both have brought disrepute to the institution they represent or have represented,” the right-wing party said in a statement.
The Socialist Party has defended Zapatero, suggesting that the investigation was politically motivated.
“Zapatero’s tenure was marked by an ambitious program to enhance rights, equality and social protection. The right and the far right have never forgiven him for these advances,” the party said in a statement.
Zapatero, who was prime minister from 2004 to 2011, has already denied wrongdoing before a Senate hearing in March.
During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of several highly consequential policies, including withdrawing Spanish troops from Iraq and legalizing gay marriage.
Edited by: Dmytro Lyubenko