MADRID — Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is under investigation by Spain's High Court over alleged influence peddling and related crimes connected to the 2021 state rescue of the airline Plus Ultra. The High Court said Zapatero's office in Madrid was searched along with three other premises and that he had been summoned to testify on June 2.

The court is examining whether the aid to Plus Ultra was properly approved and whether any improper lobbying or influence was involved. Zapatero is alleged to have been the driving force behind the airline's bailout and is accused of having pressed the Ministry of Transport, then led by Jose Luis Abalos, to approve the rescue.

Plus Ultra received 53 million euros through the state holding company SEPI during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Zapatero, who governed Spain from 2004 to 2011, has denied wrongdoing before a parliamentary committee.

Several arrests were made in late December in connection with the investigation, including that of businessman Julio Martinez Martinez, known as Julito. Analisis Relevante, a company belonging to Martinez, allegedly received the same amount that Plus Ultra later paid to Zapatero. Victor de Aldama has alleged that Zapatero received 10 million euros in commissions.

The conservative opposition People's Party has used the Plus Ultra case to sharpen its attacks on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of the Socialist Workers' Party. "There has never been a serious investigation process, much less an indictment of a former president. This is something unprecedented and will shake up the government," said Juanma Moreno, president of the Andalusian regional government.