José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to Testify Before Senate Amid Controversy

The Popular Party in Spain is exerting its influence in the Senate, as former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero prepares to appear before an investigative committee regarding the Koldo case. This appearance is set for March 2, with the Popular Party (PP) justifying Zapatero's summons based on alleged irregularities surrounding the rescue of Plus Ultra, a struggling airline, and his connections with former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was detained by U.S. authorities earlier this year. Alicia García, spokesperson for the PP in the Senate, has characterized Zapatero as a central figure in this unfolding scandal, suggesting that he represents the 'corrupting link' between current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), and what she describes as Maduro's 'narcodictatorship.' García has asserted that the expressions of concern over Zapatero's role are not unwarranted, indicating the seriousness with which the party views the matter. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office is intensively investigating whether Plus Ultra misappropriated funds intended for its rescue, potentially using them to launder money originating from Venezuela through financial systems in France, Switzerland, and Spain. However, records to date do not officially connect Zapatero to any wrongdoing within the case's documentation. In recent weeks, sources close to Zapatero have dismissed the accusations as 'slanderous insidiousness', noting that the former president had no prior knowledge of a business meeting that occurred shortly before the detention of Plus Ultra advisor Julio Martínez. Despite denouncing the claims, Zapatero acknowledged his longstanding personal acquaintance with Martínez but firmly denied any relation to the airline's financial dealings, claiming his consultancy work had been entirely lawful and proper. Reports indicate Zapatero has received approximately 450,000 euros through consultancy arrangements over the past six years, which are now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. The Koldo case committee was established in the Senate in April 2024, with several key political figures, including current Prime Minister Sánchez and former PSOE secretaries José Luis Ábalos and Santos Cerdán having appeared. Ábalos is currently imprisoned, which adds another layer of complexity and scrutiny to the political landscape. As the March 2 hearing approaches, many are watching closely to see how Zapatero's testimony will impact the ongoing political discourse in Spain. The PP, emboldened by its Senate majority, has the latitude to further its inquiries – and the outcomes may shift the public perception of the current government amidst a backdrop of questions about governance and integrity in dealings with Latin America. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2