Corruption returns to surround Sánchez (Gorka Maneiro in Vozpópuli)

The focus of justice returns to alleged corruption cases affecting the PSOE and key figures like former President Zapatero, reigniting debates about political financing and influence.

The Spanish political landscape is being shaken by the reactivation of judicial investigations into alleged corruption, affecting not only the **PSOE** and the current government but also its partners. These events, adding to recent controversies, revive the debate on integrity in politics and the motivations behind alliances and governmental actions.

## The Zapatero case and the Plus Ultra scheme

One of the focal points is former President **José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero**. The company **Plus Ultra** president, **Julio Martínez Sola**, testified before the judge of the National High Court, **José Luis Calama**, confirming alleged payments of a 1% commission to **Zapatero**. The consideration reportedly was the securing of the company's bailout by the Council of Ministers. This operation could carry serious judicial consequences for the members of the government at the time if its illegality is proven. **Zapatero** faces accusations of influence peddling, money laundering, smuggling, and tax crimes.

The investigation extends to the former president's family. Judge **Calama** believes that **Zapatero's** daughters could be involved, as **Julio Martínez Sola's** company reportedly transferred half a million euros to one of his companies for the supposed formatting of reports. This fact raises questions about the legitimacy of such payments, especially when linked to the influence of a former president and financed with public funds.

## Forgotten gems and operational pieces

**Zapatero's** secretary, **Gertrudis Alcázar**, is also under judicial scrutiny. The judge considers her an "essential operational piece within the organized network" due to her functions at the PSOE headquarters in Ferraz. In this context, pieces of jewelry valued at over one million euros that **Zapatero** allegedly possessed and failed to declare to the Tax Agency have come to light. The origin of these jewels, which he should have explained within a short period, remains mysterious after months. The lack of transparency and confusion in the management of these assets complicate the situation.

## Other cases and the judicial horizon for the PSOE

The investigations are not limited to these cases. The **Leire Díez case** has been divided into three parts: one related to alleged irregularities in public companies (**SEPI scheme**), another concerning the supposed "sewers of the PSOE" and mafioso practices to halt cases affecting **Sánchez**, involving figures such as **Gaspar Zarrías** or **Santos Cerdán**, and a third investigating the payments of the scheme.

Furthermore, the National High Court is investigating a fictitious contract worth **15 million euros** linked to PSOE financing. This places the party facing the possibility of irregular funding and, on the horizon, potential indictment as a incivil organization. In this scenario, the investigation into the Prime Minister's vvife for influence peddling and misappropriation, and the conviction of his brother for administrative misconduct, are also mentioned. Other former high officials like **Santos Cerdán** and **Ábalos**, the latter already convicted in the mask case, also face pending cases.

## Law of Grandchildren and singular financing

Underlying issues also include the singular financing for Catalonia, which seeks to grant it preferential treatment, and the **Ley de Nietos** (Law of Grandchildren). The latter is criticized for favoring individuals who do not reside or contribute in Spain but who could gain electoral benefits. Despite the controversies and ongoing investigations, some polls suggest that the PSOE might secure a number of seats that seems high given the circumstances. However, political volatility and judicial threats hanging over the current president make him an unpredictable and potentially dangerous actor.