Ex-PM Zapatero Faces High Court, Denies Involvement in Graft Case
Zapatero's Court Appearance and Allegations
By David Latona and Emma Pinedo
MADRID, June 17 (Reuters) - Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a former prime minister of Spain, told a High Court judge on Wednesday that he never intervened to secure a state bailout on an airline's behalf - the allegation at the heart of an influence-peddling probe against him.
Background on Zapatero and Political Context
Zapatero, who led the country between 2004 and 2011, is the first Spanish premier to be formally investigated since the country's return to democracy.
He remains a widely respected figure in the ruling Socialist Party and is a key ally to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose government faces a slew of corruption scandals.
Details of the Court Appearance
Arrival and Testimony
Wearing a navy-blue suit and matching tie, Zapatero arrived at the High Court by car and accessed the building through a cordoned-off pavement. His testimony lasted three-and-a-half hours.
Allegations of Influence-Peddling
Zapatero is being investigated for allegedly leading an influence-peddling and money-laundering network suspected of profiting from lobbying public authorities on behalf of third parties.
The Plus Ultra Bailout
One of those alleged clients is Spanish airline Plus Ultra, which was bailed out with €53 million ($61 million) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
Zapatero's Response to Allegations
Public Statement
'DECENCY AND HONESTY'
"I'm accused of very serious crimes that I didn't commit," Zapatero said in a statement released after the hearing, adding that he had submitted a voluntary blanket authorisation to the court to show he holds no companies or assets outside Spain.
"I've always conducted myself with decency and honesty, and now that I have the task ahead of me of proving it, I will do so with absolute transparency."
Additional Investigations
Jewellery Probe
Last week, investigating judge Jose Luis Calama opened a separate probe over jewellery found during a search of Zapatero's office - provisionally valued at about €1.3 million and currently lacking documented proof of origin - for potential tax evasion or smuggling offences.
Zapatero's Response to Jewellery Questions
Citing court sources, state news agency EFE said that when Calama asked Zapatero about the jewellery on Wednesday, the ex-premier exercised his right not to testify, arguing his defence had not had enough time to prepare.
Prosecutor's Request and Court Decision
The anti-corruption prosecutor had asked to withdraw Zapatero's passport, but Calama declined, saying the former politician's public notoriety offset any flight risk.
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(Reporting by David Latona and Emma Penedo; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Ros Rossell)
