Key facts
- Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is the first ex-PM in Spain's democracy to be formally charged in a corruption case.
- Zapatero is appearing before Judge José Luis Calama at the National Court in Madrid.
- The investigation centers on a €53 million public bailout of the airline Plus Ultra.
- Luxury jewelry valued at €1.3 million, found in Zapatero's office, is also under scrutiny.
- A company linked to Zapatero's daughters allegedly received €2 million for consultancy work potentially disguising kickbacks.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero appeared before the National Court in Madrid on June 17, 2026, becoming the first former head of government in Spain's democratic history to face formal charges in a corruption probe. The investigation, led by Judge José Luis Calama, centers on Zapatero's alleged role in the €53 million public bailout of the airline Plus Ultra and the discovery of luxury jewelry, valued at €1.3 million, during a police search of his office. The judge is also examining potential tax fraud and contraband charges related to the jewelry.
Prosecutors suspect that a company linked to Zapatero's daughters may have received €2 million for consultancy work that disguised kickbacks. Zapatero, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2011, has denied any wrongdoing, stating the jewelry was inherited or received as gifts. The Plus Ultra airline, which had Venezuelan investors, received the public funds in 2021 from a COVID-19 recovery fund, a decade after Zapatero left office. This case poses a significant challenge for the Socialist party, led by current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, given Zapatero's prominent role within the party.
In Spain, an investigative judge probes suspicions of a crime and can recommend a case go to trial if sufficient evidence exists. The process can extend over many months.