MADRID — A Madrid court has launched an investigation into former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over allegations of influence peddling and other potential crimes connected to a government airline rescue package.
The National Court in Madrid is examining potential financial misconduct related to the Spanish government’s bailout of Plus Ultra airline, which obtained 53 million euros (currently $62 million) in taxpayer funds during 2021 as part of COVID-19 recovery assistance.
Court officials announced in a statement that the probe has been expanded to encompass Zapatero, who was called to respond to judicial questioning on June 2. On Tuesday, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Zapatero’s office under orders from the investigating judge.
The 65-year-old Zapatero served as prime minister between 2004 and 2011. He belongs to the Socialist party currently led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
During a Senate hearing in March, he rejected any misconduct allegations regarding the bailout, stating he “never received any commissions from Plus Ultra.”
Plus Ultra operates as a Spanish-owned carrier with Venezuelan investors. The airline focused on routes connecting Spain with Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador.
After departing from office, Zapatero has dedicated much of his efforts to fostering communication with Venezuela’s far-left government, which faced isolation from Western nations following its suppression of democratic opposition groups.
When Plus Ultra obtained the bailout funding, Zapatero had been away from public office for ten years.
The former leader maintains political ties with Sánchez, whose party has faced multiple corruption controversies during the past two years.
