The head of Plus Ultra has confirmed that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was involved in efforts to secure €53 million in public funds for the airline. The case raises questions about political influence and the use of intermediaries during Spain’s pandemic bailouts.
Plus Ultra’s top management has confirmed to Spain’s National Court that a 1% commission was paid to intermediaries in connection with efforts to secure a €53 million state bailout. The admission details the sums involved and the urgency behind the decision.
Julio Martínez Sola, head of Plus Ultra, has told the court that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was involved in efforts to secure €53 million in public aid for the airline. The case raises questions about political influence in pandemic-era bailouts.
A written statement sent to the National Court says José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero played a direct role in the Plus Ultra bailout. The document details a 1% commission agreement and describes the former president’s influence in securing public funds.
Julio Martínez, who is under investigation in the Plus Ultra bailout case, alleges that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero played a decisive role in securing public funds for the airline. The case points to high-level involvement in pandemic-era financial aid.
The ex-partner of José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García’s brother declined to testify about her controversial hiring at Ineco. Their silence comes amid ongoing scrutiny over alleged influence peddling and misuse of public funds.
The Senate has seen a surge in investigations and legislative clashes. The Partido Popular is using its absolute majority to launch probes and advance legislation, while its proposals stall in Congress. Tensions have risen as political control shifts.
Rita Maestre, Más Madrid’s mayoral candidate, highlights rising hostility toward women in politics and the challenge of breaking entrenched power in Madrid. She urges vigilance without falling into conspiracy thinking.
Pedro Sánchez is under renewed pressure over the roles of Santos Cerdán and Ábalos in PSOE. Recent revelations have intensified debate about their continued presence in party leadership and on electoral lists.
Emiliano García-Page criticizes Spain’s regional funding model, saying it favors wealthier regions and undermines equality. He warns that Castilla-La Mancha faces severe underfunding, as tensions within the PSOE grow.
Luis del Castillo, head of Guardia Civil operations, faces allegations that he pressured officers to disrupt official events in Madrid. His career has been marked by political ties and internal disputes, while the controversy has exposed deep divisions within the force.
A police report identifies Servinabar 2000 as a basic channel for irregular commissions tied to public works. Nearly 90% of its funds came from Acciona and companies under investigation. The case implicates high-profile PSOE officials.
A Guardia Civil report says Servinabar negotiated a €985,000 Madrid flat for Santos Cerdán and his wife. The deal fell through over delivery terms. Investigators traced a €9,000 deposit, later refunded.
Mercedes González, head of the Guardia Civil, told the court she had been manipulated in the ‘Caso Leire Díez’ affair. She denied any role in attempts to influence sensitive judicial cases. The investigation continues amid political tension.
The European Commission warns Spain has made only limited progress on anti-corruption reforms. Brussels calls for faster action to strengthen prevention and oversight, and to guarantee the independence of the supervisory body.
Oriol Junqueras calls for unity among Sánchez's coalition partners after Junts breaks ranks. He criticizes the PSOE over corruption but insists on maintaining the parliamentary majority. The debate intensifies as the amnesty law faces judicial hurdles.
The Madrid Provincial Court has upheld a jury trial for Begoña Gómez on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement, while dismissing business corruption charges. The case has been marked by judicial tensions and repeated legal challenges.
The Audiencia Provincial de Madrid has sent Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain’s prime minister, to trial on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement. The PSOE calls the case political, while the PP says the judiciary is working as it should.
The Madrid Provincial Court has narrowed the jury trial against Begoña Gómez to two charges: influence peddling and embezzlement. It has lifted restrictions on her travel. The case continues to draw national attention.
Manuela Carmena highlights how age can sharpen the mind and warns about the dangers of party-driven politics in Spain. She urges a renewed focus on public service and democratic renewal amid growing disillusionment.
Mercedes González and Manuel Llamas face judicial questioning over alleged leaks and internal probes. The case centers on suspected efforts to influence investigations linked to the PSOE and government circles.
Spain’s Tax Agency is under scrutiny after missed alerts allowed a basic figure linked to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to skip tax filings for years. The controversy has intensified as the Senate investigates delays and system failures.
The Badajoz court has clarified that nepotism and absenteeism, while ethically questionable, do not always constitute crimes. David Sánchez, brother of the Prime Minister, and Luis Carrero were sentenced to nine years’ disqualification from public office for administrative misconduct.
The conviction of David Sánchez has intensified tensions within the PSOE. Party leaders warn that judicial actions against the prime minister's family could backfire politically. The case has triggered strong reactions among both officials and grassroots members.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces a formal IOC ethics complaint alleging political bias. The complaint follows the disputed reversal of a red card issued to Folarin Balogun. Human rights group FairSquare accuses Infantino of breaching neutrality rules.
David Sánchez, brother of Spain’s prime minister, was barred from public office for misconduct. The court ruled he need not repay his salary. The decision exposes a legal gap in civil liability claims.
A Badajoz court has sentenced David Sánchez, brother of Spain’s Prime Minister, to nine years of disqualification from public office. The verdict gives greater weight to police findings than to witness statements. Eleven people, including Sánchez, face similar penalties.
Carlos Lesmes, the Supreme Court’s former head, says judges continue to face political pressure. He defends judicial independence as tensions grow over cases involving government figures. Recent court rulings have sharpened the debate.
The PSOE has increased its lead over the PP, reaching 33% in voting intention. The latest CIS barometer shows a 7.9-point gap despite high-profile corruption cases. Vox and Sumar also saw declines.
Cristina Narbona, head of PSOE, told the National Court she knew nothing of an internal plot involving Leire Díez. The case concerns alleged efforts to influence legal proceedings involving the party and the government.
Eleven officials from the Diputación de Badajoz, including career civil servants, have been barred from public office for up to 18 years. The convictions, linked to the hiring of the Prime Minister’s brother, have triggered appeals and political tensions.
The Badajoz court ruled that officials created a job for David Sánchez but found no evidence of outside pressure or influence. The verdict leaves basic questions unanswered about who initiated the controversial hiring.
Leticia de la Hoz, lawyer for Koldo García, denies receiving funds from the PSOE or offering bribes. The case exposes tensions over alleged cash deliveries and political interference in Madrid.
The Guardia Civil's UCO has told the National Court it cannot identify the origin of funds allegedly used by PSOE for covert operations. Investigators are seeking wider access to the party's bank accounts.
The Provincial Court of Badajoz has sentenced David Sánchez Pérez-Castejón to nine years of disqualification from public office and Miguel Ángel Gallardo to 18 years. The case centers on alleged irregularities in a 2017 public-sector appointment.
