Zapatero denies government contact over Plus Ultra airline rescue

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has broken his silence following his judicial indictment, asserting he had no contact with any government officials or SEPI regarding the rescue of the airline Plus Ultra. Speaking in his first interview since being charged, Zapatero vehemently defended his innocence in a corruption case that has seen him accused of influence peddling, money laundering, and belonging to a criminal organization.

“

I didn't speak to anyone, not from SEPI, not from the government, nor any public authority; it's not that I didn't influence, it's that I didn't speak to anyone about the Plus Ultra rescue.

Zapatero's statements directly contradict claims made by businessman Julio Martínez, who alleged that the former prime minister was "punctually informed" of all developments concerning the 53 million euro public loan granted to Plus Ultra in 2021. The loan was provided during the pandemic crisis. Zapatero explained that his role at Martínez's company, Análisis Relevante, was purely advisory, though he acknowledged a long-standing friendship with the businessman, who is also implicated in the case.

“

All my work at Análisis Relevante was consultancy, advisory... I never intended to participate in any company nor did I sign any contract with any of the clients; that is evident.

The former prime minister also addressed the discovery of over 100 pieces of jewelry, including sapphires and diamonds valued at 1.3 million euros, found in his safe. He described them as a "personal courtesy gift" received many years ago from an unnamed country. Zapatero stated that the jewelry had not been used or considered, and he intended to provide full details to the court. The investigation, led by Judge José Luis Calama, is examining allegations that Zapatero led a scheme to favor Plus Ultra in exchange for financial benefits, with the probe expanding to include his alleged intermediation in Bolivia and Venezuela.

“

It is a courtesy gift, personal, from many years ago, and I have to be very prudent because I want it to be before justice when the origin and what happened is specified, but I will say it: they had no use or destination, nor have we thought about them nor the value that has now been attributed to them.