This case is part of a growing list of corruption scandals that have raised doubts about the viability of P. Sanchez’s socialist minority government and contributed to a series of painful defeats in regional elections.
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“I believe there is no sufficient reason, no reason to change this position,” P. Sanchez said at a press conference in Rome after meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
P. Sanchez, who came to power in 2018 after using a vote of no confidence to overthrow a corruption-ridden conservative government, reiterated his respect for the presumption of innocence.
J. L. Rodriguez Zapatero, who governed from 2004 to 2011, was officially investigated last week for influence peddling and other crimes allegedly committed in 2021 while rescuing the small airline Plus Ultra.
He is summoned to testify in court next month.
The case revolves around whether J. L. Rodriguez Zapatero used his political influence to help the airline Plus Ultra secure €53 million in financial aid in 2021, and whether he and his family benefited financially from it.
The investigating judge suspects that J. L. Rodriguez Zapatero may have been part of a complex network involving shell companies and behind-the-scenes lobbying aimed at pushing favorable decisions through socialist government channels.
Officials are also investigating possible commissions and financial flows related to this case.
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J. L. Rodriguez Zapatero, a symbol of the Spanish left and an ally of P. Sanchez, has consistently denied any wrongdoing or ever receiving payments from Plus Ultra.
Officials recently revealed new details of the investigation, including the discovery of luxury watches and jewelry of unclear value in a safe belonging to J. L. Rodriguez Zapatero.
Allies of the former socialist prime minister said these items are related to family inheritance.
While some other Spanish prime ministers have been called to testify in corruption cases, this is the first time in modern Spanish history that an official investigation has been opened against a former prime minister.
P. Sanchez, a shrewd politician known for surviving difficult situations, again rejected opposition calls to resign and call early elections amid growing corruption scandals.
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