Former Spanish PM Zapatero investigated in influence peddling case
Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is under investigation for alleged influence peddling. The High Court has announced that his office and three other locations are being searched, and he is scheduled to testify on June 2. This investigation adds pressure to current Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is already facing scrutiny over corruption allegations involving his inner circle.
- ▪Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is being investigated for influence peddling and related crimes.
- ▪His office in Madrid was searched as part of the investigation.
- ▪The case is linked to a controversial state rescue of the airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Former Spanish PM Zapatero investigated in influence peddling caseSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 19, 2026, 04:13 PMUpdated May 19, 2026, 04:13 PMMADRID, May 19 - Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is being investigated for alleged influence peddling and related crimes, the country's High Court said on Tuesday.Zapatero's office in Madrid was being searched alongside three other premises, the court said in a statement, adding the former premier had been summoned to testify on June 2.Zapatero is a key ally of current Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the case piles more pressure on Sanchez, who is already dogged by a corruption investigation into alleged kickbacks involving key members of his inner circle, as well as…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.