Former Spanish PM faces judicial probe over corruption claims

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has become the subject of a judicial investigation over alleged corruption linked to the rescue of airline Plus Ultra.

The National Court in Madrid has ordered the opening of an investigation and summoned Zapatero to testify on June 2, 2026, in the status of an accused, according to RTVE.

He is alleged to face charges including unlawful influence, participation in a criminal organisation, document forgery, and possible money laundering.

The case is connected to state support for Plus Ultra, which received around €53 million in pandemic-era bailout funds in 2021. Investigators are examining whether political connections and intermediaries were used to secure financing and potentially divert funds.

According to the investigation, Zapatero may have been involved in a network of intermediaries influencing government decisions in favour of third parties.

The probe remains in its early stages. Zapatero has denied the allegations and says he is ready to cooperate with investigators.

It was also reported that a judicial investigation has been launched against former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.

By Jeyhun Aghazada