Former Prime Minister Zapatero faced pointed questions in court over large payments from a Peruvian company. The judge challenged his vague explanations and demanded specifics about his consultancy work.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was sharply questioned in court over substantial payments he received from a Peruvian company, as well as his financial ties to a Spanish consultancy. The session, which lasted nearly three hours, was marked by moments of tension between Zapatero and Judge José Luis Calama, who insisted on detailed answers regarding the nature of Zapatero’s work and the origin of the funds.
According to audio recordings cited by EL PAÍS, the judge repeatedly pressed Zapatero to clarify what services he provided to Análisis Relevante, a company owned by his associate Julio Martínez Martínez. Zapatero reportedly received close to half a million euros from this firm. Judge Calama challenged the former prime minister’s explanations, questioning whether the reports Zapatero produced justified such significant payments and seeking specifics about the clients involved. When Zapatero described his work as general consultancy and mentioned that his reports were not tailored to individual clients, the judge interrupted, emphasizing that the financial records showed Zapatero as the main beneficiary. Calama’s pointed remark, “The data trumps the narrative. The one getting paid is you,” underscored the skepticism in the courtroom.
The inquiry also focused on three transfers totaling €200,000 Zapatero received in 2024 from Focus Social Research, a Peruvian company established in 2019. When asked to specify the nature of his consultancy for this firm, Zapatero offered only that it was “advisory work,” declining to elaborate further and referring the judge to the contract. This lack of detail did not satisfy the court, with Judge Calama urging Zapatero to provide concrete examples of his contributions.
Zapatero agreed to answer most questions but refused to discuss certain topics, including the discovery of jewelry valued at over €1.3 million in his office, which the judge referred to as “the damned jewels.” He also declined to clarify whether he remains in contact with Julio Martínez Martínez, stating only that he has known him since 2011 and has traveled with him on several occasions, without specifying when their last meeting took place.
The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of financial dealings involving high-profile political figures in Spain. Consultancy arrangements and payments to former officials have drawn increased attention in recent years, with authorities seeking greater transparency around the services provided and the sources of income. Spanish law requires public officials to declare outside earnings and prohibits certain types of post-government employment to prevent conflicts of interest. The outcome of this investigation may influence future regulations on political consultancy and financial disclosures for former officeholders.
