Graft Probe into Spanish Ex-PM Zapatero Expanded to Daughters and Secretary, Court Says
Graft probe into Spanish ex PM Zapatero – On Thursday, the Audiencia Nacional court revealed that the corruption inquiry into former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has broadened its scope to include his two daughters, Alba and Laura Rodriguez Espinosa, as well as his former secretary, Gertrudis Alcazar. The probe, which initially targeted Zapatero for alleged influence peddling, now involves a wider network of individuals linked to the political structure he once led. This development adds to the mounting pressure on Spain’s current government, as multiple investigations into Socialist Party figures have intensified in recent months.
Zapatero, who served as head of government from 2004 to 2011, was placed under formal investigation last month over his alleged role in securing a €53 million bailout for the small airline Plus Ultra in 2021. According to the court statement, Investigating Judge José Luis Calama has found evidence pointing to a system of “opaque financial channels” used to hide transactions and extract bribes for political favors. The judge’s claims have sparked renewed scrutiny of Zapatero’s past actions and his potential ties to financial misconduct.
Calama notified the two daughters of their inclusion in the probe, allowing them to participate in the legal proceedings as persons under investigation. The court emphasized their right to defend themselves, highlighting the procedural rigor of the case. The judge stated that the daughters’ company, whose operations appear to be “circumstantially linked” to the scheme, played a “key role in the channelling, concealment, or facilitation of relevant operations.” Police conducted a search of the company’s premises in May, uncovering records that could link it to the financial activities under examination.
Zapatero’s secretary, Gertrudis Alcazar, has also been added to the list of suspects. The court’s decision to include her underscores the breadth of the investigation, which now spans multiple layers of his political entourage. During a three-hour hearing before Calama on Wednesday, Zapatero defended his integrity, asserting that he had always acted “with decency and honesty.” He denied owning companies, accumulating wealth, or engaging in illicit financial transactions, though the judge has raised questions about these claims.
Amid the expansion of the case, new charges of tax fraud and smuggling have been introduced. These allegations stem from a police search of Zapatero’s office, which uncovered jewellery and luxury watches valued at €1.3 million. While his inner circle claims the items are part of a family inheritance, Spanish media has reported that they may have been a gift from a former king of Saudi Arabia. This revelation has fueled speculation about the nature of Zapatero’s financial dealings and their potential connection to international networks.
“The investigation into Zapatero imperils the reputation of a ‘moral beacon’ for Sánchez and the Socialists,” noted Astrid Barrio, a political science professor at the University of Valencia, when speaking to the AFP news agency. Her remarks reflect growing concerns that the current government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is facing a cascade of corruption scandals that could weaken its political standing.
Sánchez, who took office in 2018, has long campaigned on a platform of political reform. His administration vowed to root out corruption after the Popular Party was convicted in its own graft case. However, the ongoing investigations into his wife, Begona Gomez, for influence peddling have already cast doubt on his leadership. A two-year-long probe into her alleged role in the scandal is nearing a critical juncture, with a trial potentially imminent. This has added to the challenges of the ruling party, which is already grappling with multiple investigations into its top figures.
Separately, verdicts are expected in corruption trials involving Sánchez’s former right-hand man, José Luis Abalos, and his brother, David Sánchez. These cases, combined with the expanded Zapatero probe, have created a climate of political uncertainty. Recent revelations about a police investigation into a former Socialist activist—suspected of orchestrating a plot to sabotage Sánchez’s entourage—have further complicated the situation, raising questions about internal party divisions and loyalty.
The Socialists have faced significant setbacks in regional elections since late 2025, suffering four defeats in key areas. Analysts suggest these losses may signal a shift in public sentiment, potentially paving the way for early national elections in 2027. Meanwhile, the conservative and far-right opposition has intensified its calls for Sánchez’s resignation, arguing that the current government is unable to address the growing wave of corruption allegations.
As the case against Zapatero unfolds, it highlights the enduring impact of past political figures on contemporary governance. The former premier’s inclusion in the probe has sparked a renewed debate about accountability within Spain’s political elite. With the court’s expansion of the investigation, the question remains whether this will lead to further revelations or solidify Zapatero’s legacy as a key player in the country’s political landscape.
