Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero is suspected of influence peddling — Reuters
Spain's Supreme Court has launched an investigation into former Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero, who is suspected of influence peddling and related financial crimes.
The court’s press office announced this on Tuesday, May 19, according to Reuters.
Law enforcement agencies have already conducted extensive searches at the Madrid office of the politician, who is a close ally of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as well as at three other related locations.
The investigative actions are being carried out as part of a high-profile case dubbed “the Plus Ultra case” by the press.
It concerns the legality of the allocation of significant state aid during the coronavirus pandemic.
The statement notes that the judicial investigation is related to the provision of €53 million in anti-crisis subsidies in 2021 to the Spanish airline Plus Ultra through the state holding company SEPI during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This financial transaction immediately attracted attention and became politically controversial in Spanish society.
Numerous critics and opposition representatives argued that Plus Ultra had no clear strategic importance for the country’s economy, had extremely weak financial performance, and had questionable ties to Venezuelan shareholders.
The court is currently conducting a detailed review to determine whether the aid was properly approved by government agencies.
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