Leaked WhatsApp chats show Zapatero and his secretary organizing a discreet dinner with journalist Javier Ruiz and Sarah Santaolalla. The messages also detail plans for a key interview at PSOE headquarters.
Private WhatsApp conversations between former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his personal secretary, Gertru Alcazar, have surfaced as part of a judicial investigation, shedding light on how political and media engagements are managed behind closed doors. The chats, extracted from mobile devices and now included in the Plus Ultra case file, document the organization of a private dinner with journalist Javier Ruiz—referred to as “Javierito” by retired commissioner José Villarejo—and Sarah Santaolalla, as well as the scheduling of an interview for the digital outlet El Plural at PSOE headquarters.
The exchanges, dated from April 14 to May 4, 2026, reveal a tightly coordinated agenda. On April 14, Alcazar informed Zapatero—saved as “Jefe” in her contacts—about the dinner plans, suggesting it be held at Ruiz’s home to ensure privacy. The following day, she sent the week’s agenda, which included meetings with high-profile figures from both the political and business worlds. Among the scheduled commitments were a meeting with Huawei’s CEO for Europe at a Madrid hotel, a breakfast at the Ateneo with the Robert Owen group, and contacts with Llorente y Cuenca consultants. Alcazar also proposed fitting in meetings with “Nardi Suxo” or “Rafaela Romero” depending on Zapatero’s availability.
The WhatsApp messages show that the dinner with Javier Ruiz was chosen over a lunch due to the journalist’s television commitments with the program Mañaneros. Alcazar suggested an early dinner to accommodate his schedule. The chats also indicate that the timing of the interview for El Plural was strategically considered, coinciding with the anniversary of Spain’s troop withdrawal from Iraq—a hallmark decision of Zapatero’s first term—and the Andalusian election campaign, hinting at a deliberate alignment with PSOE’s political calendar.
Arrangements for the El Plural interview were handled with particular care. On April 26, Alcazar raised the idea of also offering an appearance on El Intermedio, reflecting a broader media strategy. By May 3, Chema Garrido, director of El Plural, confirmed the interview details via email, noting that PSOE’s press office was fully informed and supportive. The plan was to record the interview at the party’s Ferraz 70 headquarters and broadcast it the following Tuesday, with topics to be finalized directly with Zapatero to ensure his comfort with the questions.
On May 4, Zapatero responded with a message that mixed personal errands with agenda instructions, referencing a lunch at La Dorada with Mansilla and suggesting that Moratinos attend the Ferraz 70 meeting. Alcazar replied that Rebeca was in Cádiz and asked whether to keep Moratinos at the headquarters. The tone of these exchanges, blending significant political coordination with everyday matters, stands out for its informality despite the weight of the topics discussed.
This glimpse into the daily workings of Zapatero’s inner circle comes at a time when internal party dynamics are under scrutiny. The management of sensitive meetings and media appearances echoes recent developments within PSOE, such as the decision by a former insider to testify independently in court, a move that has intensified pressure on the party’s leadership. For more on the evolving challenges facing PSOE, see this report on a key figure’s readiness to testify without party backing.
For context, the Plus Ultra case has brought renewed attention to the intersection of politics, media, and private communications in Spain. The use of forensic extraction by the UDEF (Unidad de Delincuencia Económica y Fiscal) to obtain these WhatsApp records highlights the increasing role of digital evidence in judicial proceedings. The case also underscores how political figures manage both public messaging and private relationships, often blurring the lines between official duties and personal networks.
