Zapatero fails to explain origin of 1.3 million euro jewels one month after promise

Zapatero promised to explain the origin of the 1.3 million euro jewels found in his office safe within ten days, but over a month has passed without an explanation.

The missing explanation

On June 17, Zapatero committed to providing documents within "a week or ten days" about the gems valued at 1.3 million euros. Source: El Español However, the deadline has passed with no official statement. Initially, his spokesperson Luis Arroyo claimed the value was "between 30,000 and 50,000 euros", but an official appraisal set the figure at 1.3 million. Source: El Español The latest version from his entourage suggests the jewels were a gift from the late King of Saudi Arabia during his presidency, though earlier they had denied any Saudi connection. Source: La Vanguardia No documentary evidence has been produced.

Legal developments

Judge José Luis Calama has rejected Zapatero's attempt to exclude popular accusations (PP, Vox, Ciudadanos) from the jewelry probe, upholding the legitimacy of the parties during the investigation phase. Source: Infobae Meanwhile, the Tax Agency has joined the case as a potential injured party, investigating Zapatero's assets. Source: El Español The investigation also widened to include Zapatero's daughters and his secretary.

The "Aldama effect" and upcoming testimony

Julio Martínez, Zapatero's close friend and business associate, is set to testify on July 21 as an investigado. Source: La Vanguardia Sources suggest he might adopt a cooperative stance, following the "Aldama effect" - a strategy of confession for leniency. Source: La Vanguardia His testimony could be pivotal, potentially placing Zapatero in a more precarious legal position.