Judge Investigates Zapatero's Daughters and Secretary in Plus Ultra Case

A Spanish judge is broadening the investigation into the Plus Ultra airline case, now summoning the daughters and personal secretary of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to appear as investigated parties. This move follows Zapatero's own testimony before the Audiencia Nacional the previous day.

The judge's decision to include Alba and Laura Rodríguez, Zapatero's daughters, stems from their role in administering the company "What the fav." The court alleges this company was instrumentally used to channel funds under scrutiny in the ongoing investigation, placing them within the circle of individuals potentially implicated.

Furthermore, the judge reinforced suspicions surrounding Zapatero's secretary, Gertrudis Alcázar, by referencing prior findings that attribute an essential operational role to her within an organized network allegedly involved in illicit influence peddling.

The judicial expansion occurs as the case intensifies following Zapatero's appearance. He has denied any involvement in alleged efforts to favor Plus Ultra, an airline that received a 53 million euro public bailout in 2021 during the health crisis. Zapatero, questioned on suspicion of influence peddling, criminal organization, money laundering, and document forgery, maintained he did not intervene in the fund allocation process.

Separately, the investigation is probing potential patrimonial irregularities linked to the former prime minister's inner circle. This includes the discovery of approximately 80 pieces of jewelry in a safe at his office, valued at an estimated 1.3 million euros, a finding that has fueled significant political and media debate in Spain.