PSOE Denounces Leak of Zapatero's Private Messages as 'Cacería'

The Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) has strongly condemned the leak of private messages and agendas belonging to former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, describing it as a "cacería" (witch hunt) and a violation of fundamental rights. The leak originated from an annex in a report by the Police's Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF), which included thousands of WhatsApp conversations between Zapatero and his secretary, Gertrudis Alcázar, as well as his full agendas for 2024 and 2025. The PSOE argues that the material is unrelated to the ongoing 'Caso Plus Ultra' investigation into alleged money laundering by Zapatero Source: El Confidencial.

Party Reaction

• The PSOE's Organization Secretary, Rebeca Torró, stated: "Filtrar WhatsApps y agendas privadas ajenas a una causa judicial no es información: es una cacería incompatible con las garantías que exige una democracia" Source: Infobae. She also questioned, "¿Quién va a parar esta deriva antidemocrática?" Source: El Mundo.
• Government sources expressed concern over the leak, emphasizing that it "no guarda relación con el objeto de las investigaciones y que vulnera la privacidad y los derechos de las personas afectadas" Source: El Confidencial.
• Sources close to Zapatero confirmed he is considering legal action over the breach of privacy Source: El Confidencial.

Broader Context

Separately, PSOE spokesperson Patxi López said the party will close ranks around Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at an upcoming Federal Committee, despite warnings from Junts to replace him. However, this is unrelated to the Zapatero leak Source: Infobae.