Unprecedented: Former Spanish PM Zapatero Stands Trial for Corruption

Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero began his trial on Wednesday (17 June) over corruption charges, an unprecedented event in Spain. He becomes the first former or sitting prime minister to be named as a suspect in a corruption investigation.

Zapatero, a former political ally of current Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, is accused of influence peddling and accepting bribes after leaving office. The case threatens the left-wing government, as a series of corruption investigations also ensnare the family and close associates of PM Sanchez himself.

While disputes with US President Donald Trump and harsh criticism of Israel have made Sanchez a global progressive star, domestic scandals have eroded his reputation at home.

According to AFP, Zapatero, who served as PM for two terms from 2004 to 2011, was placed under formal investigation last month for allegedly trading influence related to a 2021 bailout of small airline Plus Ultra. The airline received €53 million in public funds after the COVID-19 pandemic crippled global aviation.

Investigating judge Jose Luis Calama stated that Zapatero allegedly led a “stable and hierarchical” structure that used “non-transparent financial channels” to conceal money movements and obtain bribes for illegal manoeuvres. A police search of Zapatero’s office uncovered luxury jewellery and watches worth €1.3 million, prompting Calama to investigate other suspected offences, including tax fraud and smuggling. Zapatero’s supporters attribute the findings to family inheritance.

Zapatero denies the allegations. PM Sanchez has expressed “full support” for his mentor from the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party. The trial is taking place at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid.

“What is at stake is the reputation of someone who has been… a moral role model for Pedro Sanchez and the Socialist Party today,” Astrid Barrio, a political science professor at the University of Valencia, told AFP.