Former Spanish PM Zapatero investigated for influence peddling in airline graft

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who served from 2004 to 2011, is being investigated by Spain’s highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, for alleged influence-peddling and related crimes. The probe is tied to a state bailout of a Venezuela-linked airline during the Covid pandemic.

As part of the investigation, police searched Zapatero's office in Madrid along with three other premises. The former premier has been summoned to appear before the court to testify on June 2. Zapatero has denied any wrongdoing.

This marks the first time a former Spanish prime minister has been placed under formal investigation since the country returned to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The case also places additional pressure on the current premier, Pedro Sanchez, who is dogged by corruption probes.