Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero stated today (23 July 2026) that the €1.3 million in jewelry and luxury watches found during a judicial search at his home — part of an influence-peddling investigation — were a ‘gift’ from a foreign country. He declined to identify the nation, telling Spain’s public broadcaster La1 in his first interview since being formally charged in mid-May: ‘It was a gift of diplomatic courtesy, received many years ago.’
Refusal to Disclose Amid Tax and Customs Charges
Zapatero confirmed he should have refused the gift but added: ‘I won’t disclose the country’s name because the judiciary must be the first to learn it.’ His remarks follow his refusal earlier this month — during a court hearing at the end of June — to discuss the origin of the items, according to a judicial source cited by the French news agency AFP.
Part of the ‘Plus Ultra’ Case
The jewelry discovery is tied to the broader ‘Plus Ultra’ investigation, which examines whether Zapatero used his post-premiership influence to help rescue the small Spanish airline of the same name during the Covid-19 pandemic — allegedly in exchange for payments. One of his close associates, businessman Julio Martínez, told a judge on Tuesday that Zapatero, a respected historian and longtime leader of Spain’s Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), played an active role in the airline’s bailout.
Zapatero Denies Involvement, Calls Case a ‘Parallel Trial’
Zapatero denied any contact with Spain’s state-owned investment fund SEPI or government officials regarding the airline, reiterating he is ‘completely innocent’ and the target of a ‘parallel trial.’ He dismissed as ‘pure fiction’ allegations that he instructed aides to set up an offshore company in Dubai and praised his secretary as ‘a model woman’ who will also testify.
This prosecution marks the first time a sitting or former Spanish head of government has faced criminal charges. It places significant political pressure on current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez — Zapatero’s successor both at the PSOE and in government — who has publicly defended him.