Spain’s former PM Zapatero faces corruption probe
Summary
Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is being investigated for alleged corruption related to a government bailout of the airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities searched his office and other locations, and he is due to testify in court about possible influence on the bailout approval process.Key Facts
- Zapatero is under investigation for influence peddling linked to the Plus Ultra airline bailout.
- Plus Ultra received 53 million euros ($62 million) in state aid in 2021 during the pandemic.
- The investigation involves a businessman named Julio Martinez Martinez ("Julito") and his company Analisis Relevante.
- Zapatero is accused of pushing the Ministry of Transport to approve the bailout.
- Allegations claim Zapatero received 10 million euros ($12 million) in illegal commissions.
- The airline has ownership ties to Venezuelan businessmen linked to the government of Nicolas Maduro.
- The case has caused political tension in Spain, with the opposition criticizing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a member of Zapatero’s party.
- Zapatero served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011 and denies any wrongdoing in this case.
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