Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Under Investigation for Plus Ultra Airline Bailout

On 19 May 2026 a judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional ordered former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to appear before the court on 2 June. The probe examines the March 2021 state rescue of airline Plus Ultra, alleging misuse of the €53 million public funds and a “hierarchical structure of influence-peddling” benefiting the carrier. Police have been authorised to search Zapatero’s office and three related firms.

The Guardian

The bailout was approved during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep Plus Ultra, a Venezuela-linked carrier, afloat. Investigators have pursued claims the funds were laundered through France, Switzerland and Spain. Former and current Spanish prime ministers have testified in corruption cases; Zapatero is the first former premier formally under criminal investigation.

The Guardian

• José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero – Socialist prime minister (2004-2011), accused of overseeing the alleged influence-peddling network.

The Guardian

• Plus Ultra – Airline that received the €53 million rescue; president Julio Martínez Sola defends the process.

The Guardian

• Julio Martínez Sola – President of Plus Ultra, linked to businessman Julio Martínez Martínez, arrested Dec 2025.

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• Audiencia Nacional – Spain’s highest criminal court directing the investigation.

The Guardian

The court confirmed the judge’s authorization of searches and Zapatero’s summons. In a video released the same day, Zapatero said his public and private actions have always respected the law and denied any role in the bailout. Plus Ultra’s president reiterated that the rescue followed a regulated process with strict controls and no preferential treatment. The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) praised Zapatero’s tenure and condemned what it called politically motivated attacks. The opposition People’s Party called the case evidence of a “corruption link” between recent socialist leaders.

The Guardian

The People’s Party argued the investigation shows systemic corruption among recent socialist governments and called for an end to “indecency”. Analysts noted the probe could intensify scrutiny of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose family faces separate corruption charges.

The Guardian

• “I’d like to reaffirm that all my public and private activity has always been conducted with absolute respect for the law,” — José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero

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• “There was no exceptional procedure outside the norm; there was no preferential treatment or undue interference; there was no illicit aid,” — Julio Martínez Sola, President, Plus Ultra

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• “the principle that links Spain’s two most recent socialist prime ministers is corruption … this indecency must end” — People’s Party spokesperson

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• “two terms were defined by an ambitious programme to expand rights, equality, and social protection” — PSOE statement

The Guardian

Prosecutors claim fund misuse and influence-peddling; Zapatero and Plus Ultra assert the rescue complied with law, leaving the factual basis unsettled.

The Guardian

The probe underscores Spain’s anti-corruption drive as a premier faces scrutiny. Prosecutors allege misuse of funds; Zapatero and Plus Ultra say the rescue complied with law, leaving factual basis unsettled. Zapatero must appear before Audiencia Nacional on 2 June 2026, after which court will decide on charges.

The Guardian