Former Spanish Premier Faces Corruption Inquiry

(MENAFN) Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has come under official scrutiny in a corruption investigation connected to the €53 million ($62 million) government rescue package granted to airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 crisis, Spain’s National Court announced on Tuesday.

The development represents the first occasion in Spain’s modern democratic history in which a former head of government has been formally identified as a suspect in a corruption-related investigation, according to reports from Spanish media outlets.

Judge Jose Luis Calama has ordered Zapatero, who served as Spain’s Socialist prime minister between 2004 and 2011, to appear in court on June 2. The inquiry seeks to determine whether state bailout resources were redirected for unlawful activities.

Officers from Spain’s economic crime division conducted searches on Tuesday at Zapatero’s Madrid office, situated close to the headquarters of the governing Socialist Party. Authorities also inspected multiple firms associated with the investigation, including a company reportedly owned by his daughters.

The probe focuses on accusations that Plus Ultra may have misused public financial assistance and potentially participated in laundering money allegedly linked to Venezuela. Investigators are also reviewing claims that individuals tied to the airline obtained commissions connected to the approval of the rescue package.

Spanish officials are additionally examining transactions made by the airline to consultancy firm Analisis Relevante, which reportedly transferred more than €400,000 ($464,000) to Zapatero across a five-year period for advisory services, according to Spanish daily El Pais.

Zapatero has consistently rejected all allegations of misconduct, denying that he applied pressure to secure the bailout or maintained any connection with Plus Ultra.

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