Zapatero, Spain’s Former Leader, Investigated for Graft
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has been formally investigated for influence peddling, marking the first time a former leader in modern Spanish democracy faces a criminal inquiry.
- The investigation centers on allegations that Zapatero received kickbacks of up to $2.4 million related to a 2021 state bailout of the struggling airline Plus Ultra, which he allegedly helped secure.
- Zapatero denies any wrongdoing, asserting that all his actions were lawful, while the airline has not commented on the matter.
- The probe risks tarnishing Zapatero’s legacy as a liberal icon known for withdrawing Spanish troops from Iraq and legalizing same-sex marriage.
- The investigation also increases political pressure on current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a close ally of Zapatero, as Spain’s conservative opposition uses the case to challenge Sánchez amid existing corruption allegations involving his circle.