SpainThe Spanish State Attorney's Office has decided to act as a private prosecutor in a separate case opened by the National Court regarding the discovery of jewelry stored in a safe in the office of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The judge had approached the state’s legal services to request their involvement because the investigation concerns crimes against public finances and smuggling. The Tax Agency (AEAT) has supported this move, and the State Attorney’s Office will formally accept the proposal. This case is distinct from the main investigation into whether Zapatero influenced a €53 million rescue granted to the airline Plus Ultra. During his interrogation, Zapatero requested more time to explain the origin of the jewelry and locate documents that could verify it. His secretary stated the contents of the safe were part of a family inheritance and gifts from trips. The valuation of the items exceeds €1 million, and it remains critical whether they date back to Zapatero’s presidency (2004–2011), which would mean the alleged crimes have expired.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings involving a former prime minister and does not exhibit clear bias in framing, language, or sourcing. It reports on the decision of the State Attorney's Office to participate in the case and includes quotes from judicial sources and Zap
