Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces corruption probe | News
Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero Under Investigation in Plus Ultra Airline Case
Published May 19, 2026
Former Prime Minister of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, is under investigation for alleged influence peddling related to the ongoing Plus Ultra airline case. The High Court announced on Tuesday that Zapatero’s office in Madrid was searched as part of the investigation, which also involved three other locations. He is scheduled to testify on June 2.
The inquiry centers on the 2021 state rescue of Plus Ultra, which received 53 million euros ($62 million) from the state holding company SEPI during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case gained traction in December following several arrests, including businessman Julio Martinez Martinez, known as “Julito,” who is believed to have significant insights into the connections between Plus Ultra and Zapatero.
Authorities allege that Zapatero was instrumental in facilitating the airline’s bailout, reportedly pressuring the Ministry of Transport—then led by José Luis Ábalos—to approve the rescue package.
Investigators are also looking into Analisis Relevante, the company owned by Martinez, which allegedly received funds that Plus Ultra later paid to Zapatero. A businessman involved in other corruption cases has claimed that Zapatero received 10 million euros ($12 million) in commissions related to the bailout.
The bailout has been a politically charged issue, with critics questioning the airline’s financial stability and its ownership ties to Venezuelan businessmen linked to the administration of former President Nicolás Maduro. This has raised concerns about transparency and potential political influence.
The court is evaluating whether the financial aid was properly sanctioned and if any improper lobbying took place.
Juanma Moreno, president of the Andalusian regional government, commented to El País, stating that there has not been a serious investigation or indictment of a former president before, calling the situation “unprecedented” and potentially disruptive to the government.
The conservative opposition, led by the People’s Party, has intensified its criticism of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of the Socialist Workers’ Party, under whom Zapatero served. Sánchez’s administration is already grappling with other corruption investigations involving close aides, as well as inquiries into his family members.
Zapatero, who held office from 2004 to 2011, has been a supporter of Sánchez and faced criticism from the opposition regarding his business and political connections with Venezuela since leaving public office. He has denied any wrongdoing in front of a parliamentary committee.
