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2:10 PM
Judge Rejects All Precautionary Measures Against Zapatero
National Court Judge José Luis Calama has rejected all requests to impose precautionary measures on former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero following his testimony in the Plus Ultra investigation.
The decision comes after prosecutors requested:
- The surrender of Zapatero’s passport
- A ban on leaving Spain
- Mandatory court appearances every 15 days
Several private prosecution groups, including Vox, Hazte Oír, Liberum, and Iustitia Europa, had gone further by requesting pre-trial detention as an alternative measure.
In his ruling, Judge Calama stated that precautionary measures require a particularly strict legal assessment because they involve restricting fundamental rights before a trial has taken place. He concluded that the necessary procedural risks had not been sufficiently demonstrated to justify such restrictions.
However, the judge also stressed that Zapatero’s testimony did not eliminate the indications that led to his formal investigation, citing evidence that investigators continue to examine, including:
- Material recovered from seized electronic devices
- Financial transfers linked to funds originating from the Plus Ultra bailout
- The alleged use of multiple companies to channel payments
Key takeaway
This is a significant development: Zapatero leaves court without any travel restrictions, passport confiscation or reporting requirements, despite requests from prosecutors and several private accusers. However, the investigation itself remains active and the judge has made clear that the underlying evidence continues to be examined.
1:02 PM
Zapatero Breaks Silence: "I Remained Silent Out of Respect for Justice"
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has issued a public statement following his testimony before the National Court, defending his “decency and honesty” and pledging to prove both with “absolute transparency and full confidence.”
Zapatero explained that he had remained silent for the past 29 days while preparing his defense and out of respect for the judicial process.
He also signaled that further public explanations will follow in the coming days.
The statement marks Zapatero’s first direct public response since the investigation intensified and comes shortly after he denied before Judge José Luis Calama that he had any influence over the rescue of airline Plus Ultra.
Why this matters
Until now, Zapatero had largely avoided public comment on the allegations. His decision to speak immediately after today’s hearing suggests that the former prime minister may be preparing a broader public defense strategy as the investigation moves forward.
Key point: After nearly a month of public silence, Zapatero says he is ready to explain his actions and defend his reputation while maintaining confidence in the judicial process.
12:40 PM
Prosecutors Request Passport Seizure and Biweekly Court Check-Ins for Zapatero
Spanish prosecutors have requested that former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero surrender his passport and report to authorities every 15 days as precautionary measures in the ongoing Plus Ultra investigation.
The request comes shortly after Zapatero concluded nearly three hours of testimony before Judge José Luis Calama, during which he denied influencing the controversial rescue of the airline.
Meanwhile, several private prosecution groups, including Vox, Hazte Oír, and Iustitia Europa, have gone further by requesting pre-trial detention.
According to Spanish media, the various private prosecution teams are coordinated within the case by the People’s Party (PP). However, PP representatives reportedly did not support the request for imprisonment due to Zapatero’s status as a former prime minister and instead backed the same precautionary measures sought by prosecutors.
What happens next?
The judge must now decide whether to impose any precautionary measures while the investigation continues. The decision could become one of the most significant developments in the case since the probe was opened.
Key point: Prosecutors are seeking travel restrictions and regular court appearances, while some private accusers are pushing for the far more severe measure of pre-trial detention.
12:30 PM
Zapatero's First Day of Testimony Ends After Nearly Three Hours
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has concluded his testimony before National Court Judge José Luis Calama, according to RTVE.
The hearing lasted almost three hours, beginning at 9:13 AM, with a 30-minute recess between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM. During the session, Zapatero answered questions from both the judge and his defense lawyer.
During his testimony, Zapatero denied having influenced the government-backed rescue of airline Plus Ultra, one of the central allegations in the case.
He remains under investigation for alleged offenses including:
- Criminal organization
- Influence peddling
- Document falsification
It is still unclear whether Zapatero will be required to return to court on Thursday for a second day of testimony, as originally scheduled.
Key takeaway: After months of political controversy and media scrutiny, Zapatero has formally denied any involvement in influencing the Plus Ultra bailout during his first appearance before the court.
12:05 PM
Zapatero Denies Influencing Plus Ultra Bailout During Court Testimony
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has denied influencing the government-backed rescue of airline Plus Ultra during his testimony before National Court Judge José Luis Calama.
According to sources present during the hearing, Zapatero rejected allegations that he played any role in securing the controversial bailout. He is currently being investigated over alleged criminal organization, document falsification and influence peddling offenses.
The testimony has now lasted for nearly three hours. Sources cited by RTVE report that Zapatero has been answering questions from both the judge and his legal team.
Key point: This is the first time Zapatero has directly addressed the central allegation that he used his political influence to affect the Plus Ultra rescue process.
11:00 AM (Madrid)
Rufián Calls on Zapatero to Explain Who Gave Him the Jewelry and "What He Received in Return"
Gabriel Rufián, spokesperson for the Catalan Republican Left (ERC) in Spain’s Congress, has said former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero should clarify both the legal and ethical questions surrounding the jewelry under investigation.
Speaking to reporters in Madrid, Rufián argued that Zapatero should explain where the jewelry came from, who gave it to him, when it was received and what, if anything, was offered in exchange.
“The debate focuses on the jewelry: where it came from, who gave it, when it was given and, above all, what was received in return,” Rufián said.
The comments come as Zapatero continues his testimony before Spain’s National Court as part of the ongoing Plus Ultra investigation, where the provenance and documentation of the jewelry are expected to be among the key issues examined by investigators.
10:30 AM (Madrid)
Zapatero May Address the Media After Court Testimony
Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero could make a public statement after appearing before the judge, according to information reported by RTVE.
Press officials at Spain’s National Court are said to be preparing for the possibility that Zapatero will speak to journalists once his testimony concludes.
The former prime minister previously indicated that he intended to publicly explain his position after details of the investigation became known.
If confirmed, it would mark Zapatero’s first direct comments following today’s highly anticipated court appearance in the Plus Ultra investigation.
Any statement is expected to attract significant attention given the political sensitivity of the case and the intense media interest surrounding the June 17-18 hearings.
June 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM (Madrid Time)
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has begun his testimony before Spain's National Court.
The former Spanish Prime Minister arrived this morning at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid to answer questions related to the ongoing Plus Ultra investigation.
The hearing is expected to continue throughout the day and may extend into a second session on June 18.
This is one of the most politically sensitive judicial proceedings in Spain this year.
What Is Happening Today?
Zapatero is appearing as part of the judicial investigation linked to the Plus Ultra case.
The proceedings are expected to focus on:
- The origin of luxury jewelry under scrutiny
- Financial documentation
- Alleged links being examined by investigators
- Evidence gathered during the investigation
The court previously rejected a request from Zapatero’s legal team to postpone the hearing.
Why Is This Important?
The testimony comes at a time of intense political pressure on Spain’s ruling PSOE party.
The case has generated national debate and has become one of the most closely watched investigations involving a former Spanish prime minister in recent years.
Supporters of Zapatero argue that the investigation is politically motivated.
Critics say the court must clarify unanswered questions surrounding the case.
Key Facts
Who is testifying?
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero
Former Prime Minister of Spain (2004–2011)
Where is the hearing taking place?
Audiencia Nacional (National Court)
Madrid, Spain
When did proceedings begin?
9:00 AM local time
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
How long could the hearing last?
The court has reserved both:
- June 17
- June 18
for testimony and related proceedings.
What Investigators Are Looking At
According to court documents and previous reporting, investigators are examining:
- Ownership records
- Financial transactions
- Documentation related to luxury jewelry
- Potential links to individuals involved in the broader Plus Ultra investigation
The hearing itself does not determine guilt or innocence.
It forms part of the investigative phase of the case.
Timeline of the Plus Ultra Case
2021
Questions emerge regarding the government-backed rescue of airline Plus Ultra.
2024-2025
Investigators expand inquiries into related financial matters.
May 2026
Zapatero requests a postponement of his testimony.
June 2026
The court rejects the request and confirms the June 17-18 hearing dates.
June 17, 2026
Zapatero begins testimony before the National Court.
What Happens Next?
Possible outcomes after the hearing include:
- Additional evidence requests
- Further witness testimony
- Expansion of the investigation
- Judicial decisions regarding the next phase of proceedings
No immediate ruling is expected today.
Related Coverage
FAQ Zapatero Testimony
Why is Zapatero testifying?
He is appearing before Spain’s National Court as part of the ongoing Plus Ultra investigation.
Has Zapatero been charged?
The hearing forms part of the investigative process. The court is examining evidence and testimony.
When does the hearing end?
Proceedings are scheduled for June 17 and June 18, although timing may vary.
Where can I follow updates?
This live blog will be updated throughout both days of testimony.
Information Source:
https://www.eldiario.es/politica/
Photo Attribution:
Zapatero, Policy Network, April 6 2009, by Policy Network Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Wikimedia Commons https://w.wiki/RMVk
