Zapatero asks to postpone testimony on €1.3 million jewellery seized from his office
Spain's former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has asked a judge to postpone his questioning over jewellery worth €1.3 million found in his office safe, as a separate corruption probe into a 2021 airline bailout continues.
Jewellery found in office safe
On May 19, police searched Zapatero's office and found 103 pieces of jewellery in a safe. The items were provisionally valued at €1.32 million by Spanish jewellery appraiser Ansorena. Judge José Luis Calama opened a separate investigation on June 12, citing the absence of customs documents and a lack of fiscal traceability. He stated the possession of high-value assets without clear documentation could point to tax evasion or smuggling offences.
The possession of high-value assets without clear fiscal traceability could indicate possible tax evasion or smuggling offences.
Postponement request
Zapatero is due to testify on June 17 and 18 before the National Court. His defence has asked the judge to delay only the part of the testimony concerning the jewellery. The request, made on June 15, argues that more time is needed to gather documentation about the origin and value of the pieces. The defence says it learned of the separate probe only two days earlier.
The testimony on the main Plus Ultra case remains scheduled for the same dates. The jewellery matter is handled in a separate judicial piece.
We must respect him and the justice system's timing.
Party response and political pressure
The ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) insisted on Zapatero's presumption of innocence. Organization secretary Rebeca Torró said the party faces the judicial week "with total tranquility" and that the former prime minister "will address everything." However, the party avoided commenting on the valuation of the jewellery.
He will enter into everything.
The case adds pressure on the government, which is already dealing with other corruption scandals. This week also includes the testimony of Begoña Gómez, wife of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and a pending sentence for former minister José Luis Ábalos.
The Plus Ultra case
The main investigation alleges that Zapatero led an influence-peddling network that lobbied the government to grant a €53 million bailout to Venezuelan airline Plus Ultra during the pandemic. Judge Calama described the network as "a stable, hierarchical influence-peddling structure" organised to obtain economic benefits by trading access to senior officials.
- Police search office and seize 103 jewellery pieces from safe
- Judge Calama opens separate investigation for possible tax evasion and smuggling
- Zapatero requests postponement of testimony on jewellery origin
- Scheduled testimony on main Plus Ultra case to begin at 09:00
