This time, the scandal threatens the heart of Spanish power. For several days, the right has been pounding José Luis Zapatero. The former socialist Prime Minister, political mentor and unwavering support of Pedro Sanchez, finds himself caught up in a corruption affair which is now poisoning the entire Spanish left. At the center of the file: the rescue of the airline Plus Ultra during the Covid-19 pandemic. A small company almost unknown to the general public, four Airbus A340s, a few connections to Latin America and financial health already wavering before the coronavirus. However, in 2021, the Spanish government decides to release 50 million euros in public aid to avoid bankruptcy.
Embezzlement of a million euros
Justice suspects the former head of the socialist government of having used his influence with several ministers to influence the conditions of the bailout. Well established in circles of Spanish power, but also close to the Venezuelan regime, Zapatero would have personally followed the case. The investigation also targets his two daughters, directors of companies having participated in the management of funds linked to Plus Ultra. According to an 80-page investigation report, one million euros was misappropriated.
Indicted for influence peddling and criminal conspiracy, José Luis Zapatero must be heard by a judge on June 2. An unprecedented scene in democratic Spain. Other former prime ministers, from Felipe Gonzalez to Mariano Rajoy, had already appeared before the courts in corruption cases affecting their political entourage. But always as simple witnesses. This time, it is a former head of government himself who finds himself at the center of the judicial system. The investigating judge has already ordered the freezing of part of his bank assets.
The most serious threat could come from the Prime Minister’s allies
For Pedro Sanchez, the danger is immediate. Zapatero remained one of the rare historical figures of the Socialist Party to still publicly defend the head of government. His involvement weakens an executive already suspended from increasingly unstable parliamentary alliances. On Sunday, more than 150 conservative associations are due to march through the streets of Madrid to demand the resignation of the government. The Popular Party and Vox hope to transform the Zapatero affair into a show of political force to force Pedro Sanchez to dissolve Parliament. But the most serious threat could come from the current Prime Minister’s own allies.
Basque nationalists and Catalan separatists, essential to the parliamentary survival of the government, are observing developments in the case with concern and are conditioning their support on the decision that the judge will make. A signal worries those in power: for the first time since the revelations began, no left-wing group has denounced a supposed “judicial plot” hatched by the right and its accomplices.
