Zapatero denies role in Plus Ultra rescue amid confessions and WhatsApp evidence

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has publicly denied any involvement in the €53 million rescue of airline Plus Ultra, as confessions from former associates and WhatsApp messages contradict his claims. In his first TV interview since being imputed, Zapatero insisted he had "zero role" in the bailout and never spoke to any government official about it.

The confessions

Two key figures — his longtime friend Julio Martínez Martínez and Plus Ultra vice president Julio Martínez Sola — have confessed to the judge that Zapatero acted as an intermediary to secure the rescue, allegedly receiving a 1% commission. Zapatero dismissed their statements as "each imputado's own defense strategy" Source: El Mundo. Separately, businessman José Luis Caramés told the court the commission could have been as high as 20% Source: El Confidencial.

The evidence

WhatsApp messages recovered by the UDEF show a 11-minute call between Zapatero and Martínez Sola in April 2020, and a meeting with Venezuelan magnate Camilo Ibrahim in February 2021. Zapatero did not explain these contacts Source: El Español. He also claimed jewels worth €1.3 million found in his safe were a "personal courtesy gift" with no patrimonial intent Source: Euronews.

Political fallout

Reactions have been divided: Podemos's Irene Montero said the situation "looks very ugly" Source: Infobae, while IU's Antonio Maíllo said Zapatero's explanations were insufficient Source: Infobae. The PSOE government continues to support him, but analysts question why they abandoned Ábalos and Cerdán but not Zapatero Source: ABC.