Zapatero's secretary refuses to testify before Senate SEPI commission

Gertrudis Alcázar, the longtime secretary of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, refused to testify before the Senate commission investigating the SEPI case, citing her status as an imputed suspect in the related 'Plus Ultra' judicial investigation Source: Lavanguardia, ABCes, Infobae.

The silence

At the start of her appearance, Alcázar read a brief statement explaining that her silence should not be interpreted as a snub to the commission but was consistent with her legal status Source: ABCes, Infobae. Despite this, PP senator Rocío Dívar proceeded to question her, asking if she felt betrayed by Zapatero, who had told the judge that "Gertrudis did everything" Source: Lavanguardia.

Key questions

• Role in the network: The PP pointed to a judicial order describing Alcázar as a "central node of communication and document management" in Zapatero's office Source: El Confidencial.
• Jewels: Senators questioned her about jewels worth 1.3 million euros found in a safe in Zapatero's office, asking whether she knew their origin Source: El Mundo, El Español.
• Coordination: Evidence was cited showing Alcázar consulting with businessman Julio Martínez's associate about invoices, including amounts and descriptions Source: El Confidencial.

Aftermath

The PP announced they will request a new appearance from Alcázar, maintaining that her silence does not erase the facts Source: El Español.