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Ex-PM Zapatero Faces Probe Over €53M Bailout

6/18/2026

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Story summary
  • Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero became the first former Spanish prime minister formally investigated since the democratic transition.
  • He testified before Madrid’s High Court, denying involvement in the €53 million Plus Ultra state bailout.
  • Investigators claim he led an influence-peddling and money-laundering network that lobbied for third-party clients.
  • A separate probe looks at €1.3 million of jewellery in his office, while a judge refused to seize his passport, citing notoriety.