Spain's highest criminal court announced on Tuesday that former Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under formal investigation for alleged influence peddling and related crimes. This marks the first time a former Spanish prime minister has faced such a judicial probe since the country's return to democracy after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.
The Audiencia Nacional, Spain's top criminal court, has summoned Zapatero to testify on 2 June. The investigation focuses on the bailout of Plus Ultra, an airline with ties to Venezuela, which received a €53 million public loan in March 2021 from a government fund designed to support strategic companies hit by the pandemic. The loan was granted years after Zapatero had left office.
In a Senate hearing in March, Zapatero denied any wrongdoing, stating he "never received any commissions from Plus Ultra." The rescue of the airline sparked controversy in Spain, with opposition parties questioning both the airline's financial health and its connections to the Venezuelan government.
Political Fallout and Broader Scandals
The news has intensified political pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who already faces multiple corruption allegations. The conservative People's Party (PP) has demanded urgent explanations. In a post on X, PP secretary general Miguel Tellado wrote: "We are not only talking about the former Prime Minister, but also about Sánchez's main adviser. The government has to give explanations now."
This investigation adds to a series of scandals that have shaken Sánchez's government. The so-called Koldo case involves alleged irregularities in the awarding of public contracts during the pandemic, with former officials linked to the Ministry of Transport under scrutiny. Separately, an investigation is underway into Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, concerning her professional activities and potential conflicts of interest. Both cases have fueled opposition calls for greater transparency.
The Zapatero probe also raises questions about the broader network of political and business ties in Spain. The country's legal system, which has a history of pursuing high-profile corruption cases, is now testing the boundaries of accountability for former leaders. As the 2 June hearing approaches, the case is likely to dominate political discourse in Madrid and beyond.
For context, Spain's democratic transition after Franco's death in 1975 established a constitutional monarchy and a robust legal framework. Yet, the investigation of a former prime minister underscores the ongoing challenges of governance and public trust. The outcome could have implications for how European democracies handle allegations against former heads of government.
