Police Accuse Zapatero’s Daughters of Hiding Payments in Plus Ultra Case. Zapatero’s daughters have become the focus of an investigation into possible influence peddling. Police suspect them of concealing payments through fictitious accounts. Political parties are debating the case’s implications.
A new political scandal is unfolding in Spain: police have officially accused the daughters of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of creating fictitious invoices to conceal payments linked to alleged influence peddling. These charges are part of the Plus Ultra investigation, which has been causing tension in the country's political circles for several months.
Partido Popular leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo stated that responsibility for further action lies with the government's allies, emphasizing his party's readiness to act within the law. However, Basque Country and Catalan nationalists are in no hurry to support a possible change of power, despite public statements by Aitor Esteban about the need for change.
Domestic political tensions have intensified after police brought charges against Zapatero's daughters. Partido Popular is trying to deflect pressure regarding a possible motion of no confidence against Pedro Sánchez, which could potentially rely on support from PNV and Junts. However, the mere fact of charges against the former prime minister and his family has so far not been enough for the opposition to take decisive action. Borja Sémper, Partido Popular spokesperson, stressed that the country needs a 'broom' to tackle corruption, recalling the start of legal proceedings against the current prime minister's brother on charges of administrative offenses and influence peddling.
A call was made to PNV to reconsider its position and not support the current situation, which the Partido Popular considers irresponsible. In response, Aitor Esteban noted that Sánchez continuing in office after 2026 without a clear program, budget, or stable majority does not seem reasonable. Nevertheless, PNV and Junts are keeping their distance and are not ready to support a vote of no confidence, despite the accusations against Zapatero.
PSOE has defended the economic operation to save Plus Ultra during the pandemic, calling it transparent. Some parliamentary allies, including Sumar, chose to distance themselves from Zapatero after charges were brought against him. ERC has taken a wait-and-see approach, while EH Bildu hopes for the completion of the current legislature.
The investigation is ongoing, and the interrogation of the former prime minister is scheduled for July 2. Previously, searches were carried out and documents relating to Zapatero's daughters and their circle were seized as part of this case. As noted in the russpain.com article on police actions at the What The Fav agency, the investigation suspects a scheme of fictitious services and concealment of actual financial flows.
For reference: Plus Ultra is a Spanish airline that received government support during the pandemic. In recent years, investigations surrounding it have repeatedly sparked political conflicts. In Spain, accusations of influence peddling and corruption often lead to high-profile court cases, affecting the positions of parties and coalitions. The question of government support and a possible change of power remains open until the investigation is completed and court decisions are made.
