Sánchez courts indicted Zapatero for election campaign

The inclusion of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in the PSOE electoral campaign, despite his corruption charges, raises doubts about Pedro Sánchez's strategy and his ability to attract votes.

The **Government** of **Pedro Sánchez** has announced plans to include former President **José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero** in upcoming election campaigns. This decision has raised eyebrows in the political landscape, especially since Zapatero is indicted on several corruption charges. The judicial investigation continues, providing indications that complicate the former president's situation, particularly regarding the origin of jewels valued at **1.3 million euros** found in his office.

## The shadow of electoral corruption

The indictment against **Zapatero** covers several lines of investigation. One centers on his alleged involvement and collection of commissions in the rescue of the Venezuelan airline **Plus Ultra**. This is compounded by accusations of improper payments, both for him and his daughters, under the guise of influence peddling, and alleged money laundering from non-transparent contracts. Furthermore, he faces charges of tax crime and smuggling related to the cache of jewels found in his safe.

**Zapatero** has gone several months without explaining the origin of these jewels. Initially described as a family inheritance of little value, and later as a "personal courtesy gift," the documentary justification for these rubies, diamonds, and emeralds remains absent. Given the complexity of his defense, the former president has changed lawyers, now relying on Professor of Procedural Law **Víctor Moreno Catena**. The latter has unsuccessfully attempted to annul the proceedings and is now seeking clarification regarding data management by **United States** in the investigation.

## Maneuvers of distraction and desperation

Some analysts suggest that including **Zapatero** in the campaign could be a distraction tactic by **Sánchez**, seeking to divert attention from other scandals surrounding the **Government**. This strategy adds to other decisions described as unconventional, such as taking vacations during crises or posting social media content viewed by some as condescending. The perception is that these actions may be undermining the current president's political career.

The strategy of **Sánchez** is also questioned by the publication of polls, such as those from **CIS** (Centre for Sociological Research) led by **José Félix Tezanos**, which predict a Socialist victory. However, the methodology of these polls has faced criticism, accusing them of manipulation in vote recall and result presentation. The failure to include key issues, such as the management of the crisis in **Ceuta**, fuels these suspicions.

## A leader on the defensive

The current situation of the **Government** is exacerbated by judicial investigations affecting key figures. The management of the crisis in **Ceuta** and the alleged involvement of **Segarro** in the "invasion" have been points of friction, with accusations of ineffectiveness and systematic discrediting of judges and magistrates. Justice appears to be delivering severe blows to the **Government**, and explanations regarding foreign country involvement and prior warnings to prevent the crisis remain elusive.

In this context, presenting **Zapatero** as an electoral asset is, at minimum, peculiar. The question arises how a former president indicted for multiple corruption crimes can ask for votes or present party proposals. **Sánchez's** strategy of relying on legally questioned figures could be seen as a sign of weakness or a desperate search for votes, rather than a commitment to renewal and integrity.