Zapatero's daughters face charges: joy versus ethics

The charges against Zapatero's daughters: joy or ethics?

Is it ethical to celebrate the indictment of a former prime minister's daughters? That is the question dividing public opinion after news emerged of a judicial investigation implicating the daughters of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in alleged irregular business dealings. While some see a case of nepotism and embezzlement that deserves punishment, others believe that rejoicing in the misfortune of others, who were minors at the time of the events, crosses a sarracena line.

Two sides of the coin

On one hand, critics argue the joy stems from the fact that the harm caused by the father — whom they accuse of governing with policies that hurt many — goes unpunished. "There's a hundred years of forgiveness for whoever robs a thief," some quip, drawing on popular Spanish sayings. In this view, the indictment of the daughters is a kind of belated justice, a settling of scores with the former prime minister's legacy.

On the other hand, there are those who appeal to basic ethics: never celebrate anyone's misfortune, especially that of people who, allegedly, only worked in the family business. "If they built websites for free, where's the crime?" they argue. Political polarization, some say, has eroded basic empathy.

Between these two extremes, the courts will have the final say. But perhaps the uncomfortable question is: when does justice stop being justice and become revenge? The answer, as always, awaits the next chapter.