A separate judicial inquiry has opened in Madrid into the disclosure of confidential information concerning former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The material included information from UDEF reports linked to the Plus Ultra investigation, along with detailed agendas and private communications involving Zapatero and his secretary, Gertrudis Alcázar. Some of it was reportedly unrelated to the underlying case. The inquiry seeks to identify those responsible for the disclosure and determine whether it may constitute an offence.
The leaks inquiry is procedurally separate from the basic Plus Ultra proceedings before Spain’s Audiencia Nacional, where investigating judge José Luis Calama is examining alleged irregularities surrounding a €53 million pandemic-era rescue granted to the airline. Zapatero is formally under investigation in that case over alleged influence-peddling. The broader investigation also concerns alleged criminal-organization activity, misappropriation, document forgery and money laundering. These remain allegations, not findings of guilt.
The distinction between the proceedings matters: the separate inquiry concerns the disclosure of reserved information and the privacy issues it raises, while the Audiencia Nacional case examines the rescue and related alleged financial and documentary conduct. The publication of schedules and private conversations has intensified scrutiny of how sensitive investigative material is handled, particularly when it includes information beyond the scope of the underlying proceedings.
The Plus Ultra investigation has also examined contacts surrounding the airline’s financing efforts. Businessman Julio Martínez Martínez, administrator of relevant analysis, told the Audiencia Nacional that he relayed information to Zapatero about the company’s financing request and needs. His testimony forms part of the broader evidentiary background, but does not by itself establish unlawful intervention.
This episode echoes previous controversies involving prominent political figures and judicial proceedings in Spain. Recent tensions within the PSOE leadership and the handling of corruption verdicts have also sparked debate, as highlighted in a recent report on political fallout following a major corruption sentence. Such incidents show the challenges Spanish institutions face in balancing transparency with privacy while upholding the rule of law.
The leaks inquiry will address responsibility for disclosing reserved material, while the basic Plus Ultra proceedings continue separately. The latest judicial steps reflect an active investigation into both the airline’s rescue and the handling of confidential information. The matters described have produced no final conviction or definitive finding of criminal responsibility.
