Spain's Ex-PM Zapatero Summoned in Corruption Probe
Is Zapatero an innocent leader deserving of support or a symbol of the PSOE's corruption?
Above: Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in Cartama, Spain, on May 1. Image credit: Alex Zea/Europa Press/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Under Spanish law, Zapatero is innocent until proven guilty. While the PSOE will cooperate fully with the justice system in this matter, it does not forget that Zapatero was the leader who delivered the greatest social transformation in Spain's modern history. Given his record, Zapatero will have the PSOE's full support.
Right narrative
This development not only signifies Zapatero's fall from grace but also the extent to which the PSOE has allowed corruption to permeate the highest levels of government. With 15 corruption schemes uncovered so far, Spain cannot allow this abuse of power and position to go unanswered — elections are overdue, and change is needed.
