Former Spanish President González Expresses 'Sadness' Over Zapatero's Indictment

Former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe González has voiced profound sorrow following the indictment of his successor, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in connection with the Plus Ultra airline rescue. González described his feelings as "infinite sadness," emphasizing that his personal and political differences with Zapatero do not diminish his distress over the situation.

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I do not coincide with the policies he (Zapatero) has made. I don't mean when he expanded freedoms, but the policies he has made with this current government nor those he makes with Venezuela. But that is not an obstacle for me to have a profound feeling of sadness.

Speaking at a public event where he received the Ana Frank Award, González asserted Zapatero's right to the presumption of innocence. While acknowledging significant policy disagreements, particularly concerning Zapatero's past actions and current dealings with Venezuela, González stated he could not envision Zapatero in the alleged role of orchestrating influence peddling. He noted the judge's indictment, which cites Zapatero for three offenses, was "very impressive."

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his innocence is indisputable

When questioned about the potential impact on the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), González distanced himself, stating, "I do not represent the PSOE." He later reiterated his stance on Zapatero's situation during a colloquium. In a broader context, González invoked Ana Frank as a symbol of coexistence amidst global political "hatred and confrontation," contrasting it with what he perceives as a regression towards a "Stone Age" in political discourse. He also referenced Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's call for an international strategy uniting medium powers against the decline of the liberal world order.

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I do not imagine him in that role.