José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero becomes the first ex-prime minister to testify as a suspect in the Plus Ultra case. The investigation covers alleged criminal organization, influence peddling, and the discovery of €1.3 million in jewels.
For the first time in Spain's democratic era, a former prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, appeared before the Audiencia Nacional as a suspect in a high-profile corruption investigation. The case centers on the controversial state-backed loan to airline Plus Ultra and has expanded to include allegations of criminal organization, influence peddling, and falsification of documents. The inquiry also covers possible tax offenses and smuggling, following the discovery of jewels worth €1.3 million in a safe at Zapatero's Madrid office.
The court session began after the judge rejected a request from Zapatero's defense team to postpone his testimony regarding the jewels found during a search of his office on Calle de Ferraz. The hearing is expected to continue until Thursday, with Zapatero facing questions on multiple fronts as the investigation unfolds.
Zapatero's appearance marks a turning point in Spanish political history, as no former head of government has previously been called to testify as a suspect before the Audiencia Nacional. According to sources close to the former Socialist leader, he maintains his innocence and is not expected to provide detailed explanations about the jewels during his testimony.
The political climate surrounding the case is tense. While Zapatero faces the court, current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is under pressure in Congress, with opposition parties such as the PP, PNV, and Podemos raising questions about corruption cases linked to former PSOE officials. The situation is further complicated by demands from Junts for early elections, adding to the strain on Sánchez's government.
Observers note that Zapatero's statements in court are likely to have significant repercussions in Parliament and among voters, many of whom have long viewed him as a symbol of progressive politics. The outcome of the proceedings could influence public perception of both the Socialist Party and the broader political landscape.
For context, the Plus Ultra case has drawn national attention due to the scale of the alleged irregularities and the involvement of high-ranking officials. The Audiencia Nacional, Spain's top criminal court, handles major cases of corruption and organized crime. The investigation into the airline's loan and the subsequent discovery of valuable jewels has raised questions about oversight and accountability at the highest levels of government.
