Spanish Police Sweep Through Zapatero’s Office as the Plus Ultra Probe Widens
Spain’s Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) has searched an office linked to former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero as part of the ongoing investigation into the controversial bailout of airline Plus Ultra. The operation marks a significant escalation in the judicial probe examining alleged influence peddling and possible criminal activities surrounding the rescue package approved during the pandemic.
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 centers on whether political and business leaders may have exerted undue influence to benefit Plus Ultra, which was granted millions of euros in public assistance despite concerns raised at the time about the airline’s financial stability and strategic relevance. Officials are additionally reviewing the involvement of consulting firms and intermediaries reportedly linked to the operation.
Zapatero has rejected any wrongdoing and maintains he never relied on his previous political role to sway government decisions concerning the airline bailout, while the former Socialist leader asserts that his professional actions have always been carried out legally and with full transparency.
The police operation immediately fueled political debate across Spain. Opposition parties intensified their criticism of the government and demanded full clarification regarding the former prime minister’s alleged links to the case. Meanwhile, members of the Socialist Party called for respect for the presumption of innocence while the investigation remains ongoing.
The Plus Ultra affair continues to generate major political and judicial repercussions in Spain, particularly because of the high-profile figures now connected to the inquiry and the scrutiny surrounding the management of pandemic-era public funds.
Reference: OKDIARIO – https://okdiario.com/espana/udef-registra-despacho-jose-luis-rodriguez-zapatero-plus-ultra-16826260
