Spain’s former socialist prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, on Thursday asked a court to declare void the corruption investigation against him, arguing that the inquiry was founded on violations of his fundamental rights.
The case is one of several high-profile corruption investigations that have put increasing pressure on the left-leaning government of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has earned an international reputation as a leading progressive voice following his confrontations with US President Donald Trump and Israel.
Zapatero, who served as Spain’s prime minister between 2004 and 2011 and is widely regarded as Sánchez’s political mentor, was formally placed under investigation last month over alleged influence peddling linked to the 2021 state bailout of the small airline Plus Ultra.
The investigating judge, José Luis Calama, has alleged that Zapatero led a network that used ‘opaque financial channels’ to disguise the movement of money and secure bribes in exchange for his alleged illicit influence.
During a police search of Zapatero’s office, officers discovered jewellery and luxury watches reportedly worth an estimated €1.3 million. The findings prompted Judge Calama to widen the investigation to include suspected tax fraud and smuggling offences. ALSO READ: Ex-PM Zapatero faces fresh investigation after jewellery found in office safe valued at €1.3m.
Appearing before the court earlier this month, Zapatero defended his ‘decency and honesty’, becoming the first former or sitting Spanish prime minister to be questioned as a criminal suspect in a corruption investigation. ALSO READ: Spain’s former PM Zapatero denies wrongdoing after historic corruption investigation hearing.
On Thursday, his lawyers submitted a filing to the Audiencia Nacional requesting ‘that the entire proceedings be declared null and void’.
According to the legal submission, the investigation relied on ‘illegally analysed evidence that violates the right to privacy, data protection and the secrecy of communications of third parties’.
Judge Calama has also opened a separate inquiry into the apparent leak to the media of confidential messages exchanged between Zapatero and his secretary, as well as a police report that was intended to remain under judicial secrecy. ALSO READ: Zapatero corruption probe widens as daughters and secretary are named suspects.
The investigation is the latest in a series of politically damaging corruption cases surrounding Sánchez’s administration. Separate inquiries are already under way involving Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, and his brother, David Sánchez. ALSO READ: Trial of Spanish PM’s brother concludes amid wider corruption scrutiny.
Meanwhile, his former close ally and transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for corruption on Monday. ALSO READ: Spain’s ex-transport minister sentenced to 24 years as corruption pressure mounts on government.
ALSO READ: Pedro Sánchez rejects claims of ‘widespread corruption’ amid growing pressure on government.
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Zapatero reclama que se anule el ‘caso Plus Ultra’ por vulneración de derechos fundamentaleshttps://t.co/Z9qyVGI9Cq pic.twitter.com/aKZX8bhDC6
— Europa Press TV (@europapress_tv) June 25, 2026
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