Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero Is Under Investigation

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is facing a criminal investigation in Spain over allegations of influence peddling and other potential offenses connected to a government-funded airline bailout.

The investigation, being led by Madrid’s Audiencia Nacional, centers on the Spanish government’s 2021 rescue of Plus Ultra, which received 53 million euros (about $62 million) in public COVID-19 recovery funding. Prosecutors are examining whether financial irregularities occurred during the approval of the bailout.

Zapatero, who served as Spain’s prime minister from 2004 to 2011, has been ordered to appear before the court on June 2. While other current and former Spanish leaders have testified in corruption-related cases before, this marks the first time a former prime minister has formally been placed under criminal investigation in the country.

Zapatero has denied any wrongdoing.