Former Spanish PM Faces Historic Court Appearance in Corruption Probe

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Madrid:Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is set to appear before a court as a suspect in a corruption investigation, becoming the first current or former Spanish prime minister to face questioning under such circumstances.

Zapatero will testify over allegations of influence peddling linked to the 2021 government bailout of airline Plus Ultra, which received 53 million euros in public funds during the Covid-19 crisis. Investigators are examining whether he used his political influence to help secure the aid and whether illicit payments were involved.

The former Socialist leader, who governed Spain from 2004 to 2011, was formally placed under investigation last month. Judge Jose Luis Calama has alleged that Zapatero led a network that used opaque financial channels to conceal money movements and obtain bribes.

Zapatero has strongly denied any wrongdoing. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly backed his predecessor and longtime political ally.

The investigation widened after police searches uncovered jewellery and luxury watches valued at around 1.3 million euros. The judge is now also examining possible tax fraud and smuggling offences. Zapatero's representatives say the items came from a family inheritance.

The case adds to mounting political pressure on Sanchez's minority government, which is already facing several corruption investigations involving members of his inner circle and family.

Among them is an ongoing probe into Sanchez's wife, Begona Gomez, over alleged influence peddling, while separate corruption trials involving former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos and the prime minister's brother, David Sanchez, are also moving through the courts.

The growing number of investigations has fuelled criticism from opposition parties, which have accused the Socialist government of systemic corruption and called for early elections.

Sanchez has rejected those demands and insists his government will remain in office until the end of its term in 2027. However, the scandals have damaged the Socialists politically, contributing to a series of electoral setbacks in regional contests over the past year.

Political analysts say the government's future could depend on whether investigators expand their inquiries further or pursue allegations involving the Socialist Party itself.

Pic Credit: AFP