Zapatero denies influence-peddling claims in High Court testimony

Zapatero, who governed Spain from 2004 to 2011, is the first former leader to face a formal investigation since the country transitioned to democracy. While he maintains his innocence and insists his career has been defined by decency, the scope of the High Court inquiry has expanded. Beyond the airline bailout, Judge Jose Luis Calama is probing the origins of high-value jewelry discovered in Zapatero's office.

Estimated at €1.3 million, the collection has triggered suspicions of tax evasion or smuggling. During the hearing, Zapatero declined to answer questions regarding these assets, citing the need for his legal team to review the evidence. Despite requests from anti-corruption prosecutors to seize his passport, Judge Calama ruled that the former leader’s public profile renders him a low flight risk. Zapatero remains a prominent ally to current Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, even as the government navigates a series of mounting corruption investigations.