Businessman implicates Rodríguez Zapatero in Plus Ultra airline loan

Businessman Julio Martínez has directly linked former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to the controversial 53 million euro public loan granted to the airline Plus Ultra in 2021. Martínez submitted a statement to the investigating judge asserting that Zapatero was "kept punctually informed of all steps" taken during the financing process.

Martínez, who is also under investigation, admitted to receiving a commission equivalent to 1% of the loan amount for his role as an intermediary. He stated that Zapatero, acting as a consultant, dictated the course of action, leveraging his "status as former prime minister and his personal and professional relationships" to secure business for his consultancy firm, Análisis Relevante.

According to Martínez's account, Zapatero suggested initial banking contacts that did not materialize. Subsequently, the focus shifted to seeking support from the state-owned SEPI (Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales), the entity that ultimately provided the loan. Plus Ultra agreed to pay Análisis Relevante 5,000 euros monthly for Zapatero's advisory services, starting in May 2020.

Rodríguez Zapatero has previously denied any wrongdoing. Appearing before the judge on June 17, he refuted claims of pressuring officials or communicating with Plus Ultra representatives to facilitate the rescue. He is currently being investigated for alleged influence peddling, criminal organization, money laundering, and document forgery.