Support for Zapatero, the presumption of innocence, and political tension marked the control session in the Congress of Deputies. Pedro Sánchez addressed the indictment of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and expressed his public backing for the former president, at a time when the Plus Ultra case has revived the debate over the state bailout of the airline and the scope of the judicial investigations.
The head of the Executive defended before the Lower House his respect for the judiciary, but also insisted that every investigated person retains the right to the presumption of innocence. That message came after the National Court attributed to Zapatero alleged crimes related to criminal organization, influence peddling, document falsification, and money laundering, according to information released about the case file.
Support for Zapatero in a session charged with political pressure
The support for Zapatero was not limited to a courteous phrase. Sánchez formulated it in an especially sensitive plenary session, with the opposition demanding explanations regarding the handling of the case and the impact it may have on the Government. The scene occurred while the PSOE was also bearing the wear and tear of other judicial and electoral fronts.
In political terms, the move seeks to contain immediate damage and prevent the investigation from becoming a larger internal rift. The support for Zapatero also attempts to reinforce a classic argument of the Executive: separating judicial action from political responsibility until there are firm rulings.
What the Plus Ultra case says
The case revolves around the public bailout of Plus Ultra, an airline that received state funds during the crisis caused by the pandemic. The aid was the subject of controversy due to the company’s financial situation and suspicions regarding possible political connections behind the operation.
- The procedure is still in the investigative phase.
- Indictment is not equivalent to conviction.
- The judicial investigation seeks to determine if there was irregular intermediation in the bailout.
The keys to Sánchez’s backing
Sánchez’s reaction reinforces the message of discipline around historical figures of Spanish socialism. Zapatero, who governed between 2004 and 2011, continues to hold symbolic weight within the party. Therefore, the support for Zapatero has a dual reading: legal and political.
“All my support for President Zapatero,” was the message conveyed by Sánchez in Congress, along with his defense of respect for the judiciary.
With the case still open, the focus now remains on the evolution of the investigation and the impact it may have on the Government’s agenda. Meanwhile, the support for Zapatero becomes a clear signal of political shielding amid one of the most delicate weeks for the Executive.
