MADRID — Spain’s National Court has opened an investigation into former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over alleged influence peddling and other potential crimes related to a government bailout of the airline Plus Ultra.
The probe centers on the 2021 rescue of Plus Ultra, which received 53 million euros (about $62 million) from COVID-19 recovery funds. Investigators say the inquiry was expanded to include Zapatero; he was summoned to answer questions from a judge on June 2 and police executed a search of his office under judicial warrants.
Zapatero, 65, led Spain as prime minister from 2004 to 2011 and had been out of public office for a decade when the bailout occurred. He is a member of the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), headed by current prime minister Pedro Sánchez. The party has faced other corruption-related controversies in recent years.
Zapatero has denied any wrongdoing, saying his public and private activities have always complied with the law and that his income and compensation were declared transparently on tax returns.
Plus Ultra is a Spanish-owned carrier with Venezuelan investors that primarily operated routes between Spain and Venezuela, as well as flights to Peru and Ecuador. Since leaving office, Zapatero has been active in efforts to maintain dialogue with Venezuela’s government, which became isolated from many Western countries after a crackdown on the democratic opposition.
When asked about the investigation, Spanish government spokesperson Elma Saiz said the administration was reacting with “calm, confidence, prudence and respect for the law.” The probe remains ongoing as the court continues its inquiries.