Spain investigates ex-prime minister Zapatero over airline bailout scandal

Spain's former Socialist prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, is under investigation for influence peddling and alleged crimes related to a small airline's bailout. A court announced this development on Tuesday. This investigation intensifies pressure on the current Socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, who is already facing scrutiny due to corruption probes involving his family and political associates. Zapatero, who led Spain from 2004 to 2011, has become a prominent supporter of Sanchez in recent years, despite not initially being closely aligned.

Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is under investigation by the High Court for alleged influence peddling and related crimes in the Plus Ultra airline case. The investigation stems from the 2021 state rescue of the airline, which received 53 million euros in aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zapatero is accused of being the driving force behind the bailout, allegedly pressuring the Ministry of Transport to approve it. The probe also involves allegations that a company linked to businessman Julio Martinez Martinez received funds similar to those later paid to Zapatero, with another businessman claiming Zapatero received 10 million euros in commissions. The airline's bailout was controversial due to questions about its viability and ownership links to Venezuelan businessmen.