Judge Rejects Zapatero's Nullity Bid as Late; Plus Ultra Executives Summoned

Judge José Luis Calama rejected the nullity petition filed by former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's defense, ruling it was presented 48 hours after the 20-day deadline. The defense, led by Víctor Moreno Catena, had sought to annul the entire case against Zapatero for alleged rights violations, including the use of illicitly obtained evidence. But the judge found the incident was filed on 25 June, three days after the deadline of 23 June, which he calculated from 25 May when the defense had access to the case materials Source: elmundoes.

The timeline dispute

Zapatero's defense immediately challenged the ruling, claiming an "error" in the judge's computation. They argue that full access to the case—including a key separate piece from the Madrid investigative court—was not available until 29 May, not 25 May. Therefore, they contend the 25 June filing was within the legal period Source: elespanol. The judge, however, maintains that the 20-day clock starts from "real and sufficient access" to the proceedings, which he says occurred on 25 May Source: elconfidencial.

Key developments

• The judge also summoned Plus Ultra president Julio Martínez Sola and former CEO Roberto Roselli to testify on 7–8 September as suspects Source: euronewses.
• Both executives have reportedly admitted paying €530,000 in illegal commissions to Zapatero in exchange for a €53 million state bailout in 2020 Source: elmundoes.
• Separately, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has requested an expanded appraisal of jewelry valued at €1.3 million seized from Zapatero's office Source: euronewses.