Zapatero, Sánchez, Ábalos, Plus Ultra Rescue – News & Analysis
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Pedro Sánchez Directly Ordered rescue of Plus Ultra, Witness Testifies
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Former cabinet chief Víctor de Aldama alleges the spanish Prime Minister intervened to ensure a bailout for the airline, overruling initial reservations.
The Allegations
Víctor de Aldama, former Director of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Transport, testified that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez directly instructed then-Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos to facilitate the bailout of airline Plus Ultra. Aldama made these claims while appearing on the television program Horizonte, detailing a phone call he witnessed.
According to Aldama’s account, Sánchez contacted Ábalos to “confirm what Zapatero had transmitted to him.” zapatero, presumably former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, had apparently communicated a directive regarding Plus Ultra. Sánchez then reportedly told Ábalos to “do whatever it takes to rescue Plus Ultra, without further explanation.”
Aldama stated that Ábalos was “very outraged” by this direct imposition. He emphasized that his testimony in Horizonte aims to accurately reflect “how this episode that changed the course of the operation occurred.”
Background: Plus Ultra and the Bailout
Plus Ultra, a Spanish airline specializing in charter flights, faced significant financial difficulties in 2022 and 2023. The company sought government assistance to avoid bankruptcy. The proposed bailout involved a significant loan guarantee from the Spanish government’s ICO (Instituto de Crédito Oficial).The process surrounding the bailout has been subject to scrutiny and controversy, particularly regarding the speed and lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
The case gained prominence due to allegations of improper influence and potential conflicts of interest. Investigations were launched to determine whether the bailout was justified and whether due process was followed. The involvement of former Prime Minister Zapatero in relaying instructions has also raised questions.
Key Players
- Pedro Sánchez: current Prime Minister of Spain. Accused of directly ordering the Plus Ultra bailout.
- José Luis Ábalos: Former Minister of Transport. Reportedly received direct instructions from Sánchez regarding Plus Ultra.
- Víctor de Aldama: former Director of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Transport. Key witness in the case, providing firsthand testimony.
- José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero: Former Prime Minister of Spain. Allegedly acted as an intermediary, transmitting instructions to Ábalos.
- Plus Ultra: The airline at the center of the controversy, receiving a government-backed bailout.