Spanish Judge Probes Zapatero’s Daughters and Secretary

José Luis Calama, investigating magistrate at Spain’s National Court (Audiencia Nacional), ordered on June 18, 2026 that Alba and Laura Rodríguez, together with María Gertrudis Alcázar, Zapatero’s secretary, be summoned to testify as formal suspects, according to Brussels Signal. The decision follows a formal request made the previous Tuesday by Spain’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.

At the heart of the investigation is a €53 million State rescue package awarded in 2021 to the financially distressed airline Plus Ultra by SEPI, the State holding company responsible for managing Spain’s public shareholdings. Prosecutors believe the bailout was obtained through corrupt influence peddling schemes.

Zapatero himself was declared a suspect in May 2026. Judge Calama characterized him as the ringleader of a stable, hierarchical criminal structure designed to trade political influence with public institutions in exchange for financial benefit. The former Socialist leader now faces potential charges including organized crime, influence peddling, and document forgery, with money laundering also under consideration.

Central to the case is Whathefav, a communications consultancy operated by Zapatero’s daughters. Prosecutors allege the firm was used as a conduit to funnel illicit payments connected to the influence scheme. The judge’s ruling assessed that Zapatero and his close associates pocketed approximately €1.95 million, with roughly €423,779 routed to the two daughters via their company.

Alcázar has been identified by investigators as playing an operational role within the alleged network, handling communications and documentation. Her telephone is among the devices Judge Calama has authorized for forensic examination.

On June 17, 2026, Zapatero appeared before Calama for more than three hours of questioning and rejected all accusations. Legal sources indicate he told the court he never applied pressure or took any action to benefit Plus Ultra.

He refused to address questions concerning jewelry worth €1.3 million that police discovered in a safe at his office. The judge has separated that matter into a distinct line of inquiry. A private prosecution has requested Zapatero be remanded in custody citing flight risk, while prosecutors have asked for his passports to be confiscated.

Zapatero, who governed Spain from 2004 to 2011, remains a prominent figure within the European Left. The expanding investigation increases the strain on the current Spanish Government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which is already contending with multiple separate corruption inquiries.

With information from Brussels Signal