Pedro Sánchez defends ex-PM Zapatero over Plus Ultra jewellery case

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said former leader José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero should decide whether to return jewellery seized in the Plus Ultra airline investigation, reiterating his confidence in Zapatero’s innocence. Sánchez recalled that Zapatero introduced the 2005 Code of Good Government that requires high‑value gifts to be recorded and transferred to state assets, and he invoked the constitutional presumption of innocence.

The government welcomed a judge’s decision to reject precautionary measures, such as revoking Zapatero’s passport, describing the outcome as a “prueba salvada”. Sources said Zapatero told the judge he holds no assets abroad and that the jewels, valued at about €1.3 million, came from a 2007 Saudi royal visit. Opposition parties, including the BNG, demanded a full corruption probe while the PP criticised the government’s handling of the case.

Sánchez emphasized his personal experience with diplomatic gifts, stating, “Yo le puedo contar mi experiencia y mi experiencia es que cuando uno viaja, recibe regalos…”. The episode highlights ongoing political tension over transparency and alleged corruption within Spain’s ruling PSOE.