Spanish Police Sweep Through Zapatero’s Office as the Plus Ultra Probe Widens
Spain’s Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) has carried out a search of an office associated with former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, advancing the ongoing inquiry into the contentious bailout granted to airline Plus Ultra. The move represents a major step forward in the judicial investigation, which is assessing suspected influence peddling and potential criminal conduct connected to the pandemic-era rescue plan.
According to investigators, the search was authorized within the framework of a broader inquiry led by Spain’s National Court into suspected irregularities tied to the allocation of public funds to the airline. Officers reportedly seized documentation and electronic material considered relevant to the case.
The investigation focuses on whether political and business figures may have intervened improperly in favor of Plus Ultra, which received millions of euros in state aid despite questions raised at the time regarding the company’s financial viability and strategic importance. Authorities are also examining the role of consulting firms and intermediaries allegedly connected to the operation.
Zapatero has denied any illegal conduct and insists he never used his former political position to influence government decisions related to the airline bailout. The former Socialist leader maintains that all his professional activities have been lawful and transparent.
The police action promptly ignited political debate across Spain, as opposition parties sharpened their accusations against the government and pressed for a comprehensive explanation of the former prime minister’s supposed ties to the case, while members of the Socialist Party urged respect for the presumption of innocence throughout the ongoing investigation.
The Plus Ultra affair keeps driving significant political and judicial fallout across Spain, largely due to the prominent individuals now tied to the investigation and the mounting scrutiny over how public funds were handled during the pandemic era.
Reference: OKDIARIO – https://okdiario.com/espana/udef-registra-despacho-jose-luis-rodriguez-zapatero-plus-ultra-16826260
