PP summons Zapatero again as Senate corruption probes intensify, with July packed with testimonies

PP intensifies Senate investigations

The Partido Popular (PP), which holds an absolute majority in the Spanish Senate, will keep its investigative committees active throughout July. Spokesperson Alicia García told a press conference on Tuesday that the party is expanding the work of the SEPI rescue probe and the Koldo case committee, describing the SEPI body as "Ali Baba's cave" for alleged influence-peddling.

If May and June were two horribilis months for Sanchismo, July will give no respite.

Zapatero summoned again over SEPI rescues

Former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero will be called to testify before the SEPI investigation committee, his second Senate appearance after previously answering questions in the Koldo case probe. No date has been set. The PP says he must explain the origin of jewellery valued at over one million euros found by the UDEF police unit, and face questions about his recent indictment by judge Calama for criminal organisation, influence peddling and document falsification, with a possible extension to money laundering.

Whoever lied in parliamentary session and now has to explain themselves before a judge is also obliged to explain to the Spanish people. We will not let a single thing slide.

Key testimonies scheduled for July

The PP has confirmed a series of appearances. Vice-president Sara Aagesen will appear on 6 July to answer questions about the rescue of Tubos Reunidos, which she initially opposed on ecological grounds as energy secretary but approved three weeks later. Tax Agency director Soledad Fernández Doctor is summoned for 13 July; the PP wants to know whether the tax authority will take legal action against Zapatero. In the parallel Koldo case committee, Civil Guard deputy director of operations Manuel Llamas will testify on 7 July, and PSOE president Cristina Narbona on 14 July.

PP demands SEPI president's resignation

García also called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of SEPI president Belén Gualda, after judge Pedraz indicted her in the Leire Díez investigation. The PP argues that the state holding company was used as a conduit for irregular rescues, citing the cases of Plus Ultra, Air Europa and Tubos Reunidos.

While millions of self-employed workers struggle to make ends meet and pay taxes, the government injected millions of euros into companies for Sánchez's personal interest. Rescues riddled with irregularities, suspicions and opacity.

Political pressure mounts

The PP is using its Senate majority to maintain pressure on Pedro Sánchez's government. Last week both chambers of parliament approved non-binding motions urging the prime minister to call early elections. García accused Sánchez of ignoring the parliamentary message, while the PP frames the summer hearings as a direct challenge to what it calls "Sanchismo's corruption."