Julio Martínez Martínez told the National Court on Tuesday that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero informed him on February 26, 2021, that SEPI would approve the 53 million euro rescue for airline Plus Ultra.
Martínez Martínez, under investigation in the case, confirmed his prior statement and denied mediating with SEPI. He acknowledged receiving a 1% commission for the aid, channeled through Análisis Relevante and other firms.
Judge José Luis Calama described him as Zapatero’s “correveidile” during the three-and-a-half-hour questioning. The businessman also detailed monthly payments of 5,000 euros to Whathefav, the company owned by the former president’s daughters.
Government spokesperson Elma Saiz reaffirmed Zapatero’s presumption of innocence. Vice President Yolanda Díaz called for the former president to provide explanations about his business dealings.
