Zapatero Accused of Belonging to a Criminal Organization in the Plus Ultra Case
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has been formally placed under investigation by Spain’s National Court as part of the judicial inquiry surrounding the controversial state bailout of airline Plus Ultra. The case has intensified political tensions in Spain and sparked widespread reactions across the country’s political landscape.
According to court proceedings, investigators are examining alleged crimes including membership in a criminal organization, influence peddling, and document falsification connected to the public funds granted to Plus Ultra during the pandemic. The judge overseeing the case believes there are sufficient indications to summon Zapatero for questioning, with his court appearance scheduled for early June.
Throughout the investigation, anti-corruption police officers reportedly carried out searches at offices and companies linked to individuals involved in the case, including entities connected to Zapatero’s professional environment. Authorities suspect that a network of consulting firms and intermediary companies may have been used to facilitate financial operations and possible commissions tied to the airline rescue package.
Zapatero publicly refuted any allegation of misconduct, asserting that his professional and financial affairs have consistently adhered to Spanish law. The former Socialist leader likewise dismissed claims that he had leveraged his political influence for private gain and affirmed his readiness to cooperate fully with judicial authorities.
The development promptly sparked intense political pushback, with opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo pressing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration for clarity, while Vox urged stronger political accountability in response to the scandal, and several Popular Party regional leaders warned that the probe severely undermined Spain’s institutional credibility.
Reactions inside the Socialist Party varied widely, as some senior PSOE members voiced backing for Zapatero and advised waiting for the judicial process to progress, while others recognized the gravity of the allegations and the possible political fallout 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.
Reference: via Libertad Digital – https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2026-05-19/ultima-hora-zapatero-imputado-trafico-de-influencias-en-directo-7406388/
