Bolivian Senate Creates Commission to Investigate Alleged Spanish Ex-PM's Influence

Bolivia's Senate has approved the creation of a special commission tasked with investigating the alleged influence of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero within the country. The commission will examine claims that Zapatero exerted influence on Bolivian matters for the benefit of the Peruvian company Grupo Gloria, reportedly in exchange for 200,000 euros.

The "Special Investigation Commission," established during a recent session, is mandated to "investigate the alleged influence dealings exercised in Bolivia by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and other national or foreign actors, in favor of Peru's Grupo Gloria," according to a Senate press release. It will also look into the "eventual impact" of Zapatero and other potential involved parties on "judicial and constitutional decisions related to a business dispute."

Comprised of six senators from various political parties, the commission has up to three months to conduct its investigation and submit a final report. The probe is prompted by a report from the Economic and Financial Crimes Unit (UDEF) of Spain's National Police. This report suggests Zapatero engaged in "intermediation and influence activities" with Bolivian authorities to "benefit the interests" of Grupo Gloria, allegedly receiving 200,000 euros for his services.

The Spanish police report includes WhatsApp conversations between Zapatero and his secretary, Gertrudis Alcázar, along with Zapatero's personal agendas. These documents reportedly support the latest accusations in the Plus Ultra case, where Zapatero is also under investigation for potentially receiving commissions related to the airline's bailout. The Bolivian case involves a long-standing legal dispute between Sociedad Boliviana de Cement (Soboce) and the state-owned Fábrica Nacional de Cementos (Fancesa) over shares. Grupo Gloria, the current majority shareholder of Soboce, has been involved in litigation against the Bolivian state since 2014 regarding compensation for the reversal of these shares.

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eventual incidencia" en decisiones judiciales y constitucionales relacionadas con un litigio empresarial