Judicial documents reveal Zapatero's involvement in securing Plus Ultra's €53 million rescue. Investigators found demands for a guaranteed payout, bypassing technical reviews. The case exposes high-level political influence.
Spain's judicial investigation into the Plus Ultra airline bailout has intensified, with new evidence pointing to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's direct involvement in securing a €53 million public rescue. According to police reports, the former prime minister was at the center of efforts to guarantee the payout, demanding absolute certainty that the funds would be delivered without interference from technical experts.
The case, led by Judge Calama, has uncovered a series of chats, emails, and financial records that connect Zapatero to the operation. Investigators have identified communications between Zapatero, his presidential secretary Gertrudis, and Julio Martínez, described as his frontman, which show coordinated actions to ensure Plus Ultra received state support. The documents reveal that Plus Ultra insisted on a "100% guarantee" of receiving the funds, even before technical assessments were completed.
Police analysis by the UDEF (Unidad de Delincuencia Económica y Fiscal) describes Zapatero as the hidden leader of an influence network, overseeing the process from initial contact to strategic supervision of the bailout. The investigation details how key figures, including Manuel Aarón Fajardo and Julio Martínez Martínez, acted as intermediaries, establishing connections with clients and facilitating the operation in Spain. The evidence suggests that the group sought to bypass standard procedures, aiming for a political solution when technical criteria could not be met.
Further findings indicate that the network explored various financial avenues, initially considering an ICO loan through Banco Santander before focusing on the Fondo de Apoyo a la Solvencia de Empresas Estratégicas (Fasee), managed by SEPI. The investigation also links Rodolfo Reyes, a major Plus Ultra shareholder, to attempts at influencing the Ministry of Transport via legal and political contacts, including individuals close to former minister José Luis Ábalos and Koldo García. The structure allegedly used a finance boutique to disguise illicit payments in exchange for exerting influence.
Zapatero now faces six judicial accusations, including smuggling, tax offenses, influence peddling, document falsification, criminal organization, and money laundering. Despite appearing before the Audiencia Nacional, he has not provided evidence to counter the allegations. The case continues to develop, with unanswered questions about the flow of funds and the role of political networks in the bailout process.
This investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of public fund management in Spain. Recent incidents, such as the disruption of a minute of silence for Venezuela's earthquake victims during a Spain-Uruguay match in Guadalajara, have also drawn attention to the intersection of politics and public events. For more on the public reaction to that incident, see the report on the controversy at the Spain-Uruguay match in Mexico.
Contextually, the Plus Ultra case highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in Spain's use of strategic rescue funds. The Fasee program was established to support companies deemed essential to the national economy during crises, but its administration has faced criticism over potential political interference. The outcome of this judicial process may have significant implications for future oversight of public financial support mechanisms in Spain.
