Former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero faces legal scrutiny in Plus Ultra case

Former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who turned 66 on 4 August, is under investigation by the Audiencia Nacional for his alleged role in the Plus Ultra affair. Judge José Luis Calama has admitted a procedural nullity request, limiting the review to the initial decisions that led to the case’s opening. The investigation centres on a 2021 rescue of €53 million granted to the airline Plus Ultra through a SEPI‑managed fund, with prosecutors alleging that Zapatero used his contacts to influence the aid and that payments were channelled via his associate Julio Martínez’s consultancy. Authorities claim Zapatero received about €3 million from the company, and that his two daughters obtained roughly €500 000, while a piece of jewellery seized from his office is also under scrutiny. Charges under consideration include criminal‑organised activity, influence peddling, document falsification, tax fraud and possible money‑laundering. Zapatero has denied the accusations and retains the presumption of innocence; no trial has yet been scheduled.