Former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has stated that the jewellery found in his office is a gift from the Saudi Royal House. This statement comes amid the investigation into the Plus Ultra case, which examines alleged irregularities in the rescue of public funds.
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has told the judge of the National Court, José Luis Calama, that the jewellery discovered in his office comes from a "gift" from the Saudi Royal House, made during an official visit in June 2007. According to information reported by Europa Press, the former president indicated that the collection was delivered at his residence in the Palace of Moncloa.
The judge is investigating alleged irregularities related to the rescue of 53 million euros granted to the airline Plus Ultra during the pandemic. In his statement, Zapatero mentions that the jewellery was stored alongside other gifts and was neither used nor known for its material value.
The magistrate has opened a separate case against Zapatero for alleged tax and smuggling offences, as it is believed that the origin of the jewellery is not justified. The preliminary valuation of these pieces, conducted by the Ansorena jewellery store, amounts to 1.3 million euros.
Despite having requested a ten-day period in June to gather the documentation regarding the jewellery, he has yet to present the required information. Judge Calama has given him a deadline that expires on 23 September to comply with this obligation.
The government spokesperson, Elma Saiz, expressed confidence in Zapatero's innocence, stating, "I will provide all explanations" regarding the jewellery found in his office. Sources from Moncloa have also reiterated their support for the former president, despite the evidence against him.
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