Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero denies any involvement in pressuring the government to rescue the airline Plus Ultra with 53 million euros. His spokesperson, Luis Arroyo, stated Zapatero is surprised by the judge's accusations and denies being the head of an influence network.
A confidential SEPI report reveals that the Spanish government prioritized the struggling airline Plus Ultra over 20 other companies formally requesting financial aid in 2021. Plus Ultra received €53 million, while Duro Felguera also secured €120 million.
A police report suggests Julio Martínez Martínez, a friend of former Spanish PM Zapatero, had privileged information about the Plus Ultra airline bailout before its official approval. He congratulated the airline's owner days before the decision, and investigators noted his comments about SEPI not approving celebratory expenses for a meal attended by the company's CFO.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has been summoned to testify as an investigated party in the Audiencia Nacional regarding alleged money laundering in the Plus Ultra airline case. The investigation focuses on potential illegal commissions and misuse of 53 million euros in government rescue funds.
