Spain: Former PM Zapatero Summoned in Corruption Probe
Quick Look
- Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has been summoned to testify in an investigation into a €53 million emergency loan granted to the airline Plus Ultra.
- The probe adds pressure on current PM Pedro Sanchez.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The move adds to pressure on current Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, already weakened by corruption investigations involving family members and senior political allies. Zapatero, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2011, has become one of Sanchez's top defenders.
The move adds to pressure on current Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, already weakened by corruption investigations involving family members and senior political allies.
Zapatero, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2011, was not originally closely aligned with Sanchez but has in recent years become one of his top defenders.
He had been summoned to testify on June 2, and police had searched his offices and three unnamed companies, Spain’s top criminal court said in a statement.
The investigation centres on a €53-million (US$62 million) emergency loan granted in March 2021 to Plus Ultra, a minor Spanish airline that operated flights to Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela with a small fleet of Airbus A340 aircraft.
Open Questions
- What specific allegations are being investigated regarding the loan to Plus Ultra?
- What is the nature of the relationship between Zapatero and the loan decision?
- What are the potential consequences for Pedro Sanchez's government?
- What is the current financial status of Plus Ultra?
