Former Spanish PM Zapatero and his daughters indicted in Plus Ultra corruption probe

Judge José Luis Calama of the Audiencia Nacional has ordered the indictment of former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, his two daughters Alba and Laura Rodríguez, and his longtime secretary Gertrudis Alcázar. The investigation concerns alleged traffic of influences and illegal commissions linked to the 2021 state aid rescue of the airline Plus Ultra, as well as payments made through companies such as What the Fav and Análisis Relevante.

Zapatero testified before the judge, maintaining his innocence but was told that “rational indications of criminality” remain. The judge also noted a possible offshore structure in Dubai, a property purchase by Zapatero’s associate Julio Martínez, and the presence of valuable jewellery seized from Zapatero’s safe.

Political parties have reacted: the PSOE stresses the presumption of innocence, the PP says it will not comment on personal matters, and other parties call for prudence while the case adds to a series of corruption scandals affecting the current Sánchez government.