Judge Admits Complaint Over Air Europa Rescue; SEPI Vice President Summoned

A Madrid judge has initiated proceedings into the controversial bailout of the Spanish airline Air Europa, accepting legal complaints filed by the conservative Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party. The court has summoned Bartolomé Lora Toro, the Vice President of the state-owned holding company Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI), to testify as an investigated person.

Lora is accused of alleged administrative prevarication, a charge related to making decisions that are unjust or arbitrary. His court appearance is scheduled for July 3rd. The ruling stems from a complaint lodged by the PP and Vox, which have been critical of the government's decision to provide a €615 million rescue package to Air Europa during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Investigating Court Number 49 of Madrid, presided over by Judge José María Escribano, has also formally requested SEPI to submit a comprehensive set of documents. This includes the complete administrative file pertaining to the rescue of the airline, which was deemed essential for its survival amidst the severe impact of the pandemic on the travel industry.

This judicial development marks a significant step in the political and legal scrutiny surrounding the state aid provided to Air Europa. Both the PP and Vox have argued that the bailout was excessive and potentially politically motivated, questioning the transparency and justification of the funds allocated. The investigation will likely focus on the decision-making process within SEPI and the criteria used to approve the substantial financial support for the airline.