Ex-PM Zapatero denies influencing officials to aid airline Plus Ultra

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero appeared before the National Court judge, denying any exertion of influence to benefit the airline Plus Ultra. The airline had received 53 million euros in public aid in 2021. Zapatero, the first former prime minister to be formally investigated, testified before Judge José Luis Calama, who is overseeing a probe into alleged influence peddling, criminal organization, money laundering, and document fraud.

Adding to the legal scrutiny, the magistrate recently imputed charges of tax evasion and smuggling related to nearly 80 pieces of jewelry, valued at 1.3 million euros, found in a safe in Zapatero's office. The former leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) responded to the judge's questions for several hours before a recess, with his lawyer present. The public prosecutor and the opposition Popular Party (PP) were also represented during the proceedings.

Despite his consistent denials, including those made upon learning of his imputation, Zapatero maintains he did not influence any public administration in favor of Plus Ultra. However, sources indicate the judge views him as being at the "vertex" of an influence-trafficking scheme, leveraging his "high-level institutional and business contacts" to secure favorable decisions and advantages for various parties, predominantly the airline.