Spanish court probes ex-PM Zapatero over Spanair bailout corruption claims

A Spanish court has launched an investigation into former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, focusing on allegations of corruption related to the controversial state bailout of the airline Spanair. The probe, initiated by the Court of Instruction No. 2 of Madrid, will examine whether Zapatero's government misused public funds in the 2010 decision to rescue the struggling airline.

Spanair ceased operations in 2012, leaving behind a complex web of financial and political questions. Critics have long argued that the government's intervention was an improper use of taxpayer money, especially given the airline's precarious financial state at the time. The investigation aims to determine if any criminal wrongdoing occurred during the bailout process.

This development marks a significant moment for Zapatero, who led Spain from 2004 to 2011. The corruption allegations, if proven, could tarnish his political legacy and have far-reaching implications for his former administration and the Socialist Party. The court's decision to investigate underscores the ongoing scrutiny of past government decisions and their potential impact on public finances.