The Spanish People's Party, using its absolute majority in the Senate, has summoned former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for a hearing scheduled for March 2. The case concerns the controversial bailout of the airline Plus Ultra and its connections to the so-called Koldo scandal. This decision coincides with the election campaign in Castile and León, further intensifying the already tense political atmosphere between the country's main forces.

Zapatero summoned to the Senate

The People's Party has set the date of March 2 for the hearing of the former prime minister in connection with the Koldo scandal and the case of the airline Plus Ultra.

Internal party criticism within PSOE

Socialist baron García-Page publicly criticized Pedro Sánchez, defending the authority of Felipe González on national television.

Sánchez's visit to India

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is in New Delhi, strengthening relations with India in the face of global trade shifts.

The People's Party (PP) has decided to summon former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero before a Senate investigative committee examining the so-called Koldo case. The hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2026. The committee's main objective is to clarify Zapatero's role in the process of granting 53 million euros in public aid to the airline Plus Ultra. The opposition cites suspicious financial ties and possible money laundering by the carrier's management. PP spokeswoman in the Senate, Alicia García, stated that the former head of government must "show his face" in light of growing corruption suspicions that reach circles close to the current administration. The Koldo scandal erupted in 2024 and concerns corruption in the purchase of protective masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The name comes from Koldo García, an assistant to the former transport minister, who became the central figure in an investigation into illegal commissions and political influence.Simultaneously, tensions are rising within the PSOE. Emiliano García-Page, president of the Castilla-La Mancha region, sharply criticized the party's current leadership during an appearance on the program "El Hormiguero." Page defended Felipe González, questioning Pedro Sánchez's strategy and pointing to a lack of self-criticism after defeats in regional elections. He claims the party's brand is seriously damaged by current scandals. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sánchez is on a visit to India, where he is discussing cooperation in artificial intelligence and trade agreements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. „José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is up to his ears in corruption suspicions and must provide explanations regarding the bailout of Plus Ultra.” — Alicia GarcíaThe political offensive by the People's Party is controversial, as the hearing date falls in the middle of the election campaign in Castile and León. The PP also intends to summon the chairman of Plus Ultra and businessman Julio Martínez, a close associate of Zapatero. All these events paint a picture of deep polarization, where traditional party structures clash with new controversies surrounding the ethics of governance. 53 million euros — was the amount of public aid for Plus Ultra

Mentioned People

  • José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero — Former Prime Minister of Spain, summoned before a Senate committee in connection with a corruption scandal.
  • Emiliano García-Page — President of the Castilla-La Mancha region, critic of the current PSOE party line.
  • Alicia García — People's Party spokeswoman in the Senate, announcing the summons for Zapatero.