Court Case Over Former Spanish Leader's Jewels and Company Money Continues
Listen to the story
A Spanish judge is examining money transfers and expensive jewels connected to former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
Two months have passed since Zapatero promised to explain the origin of some valuable jewels. So far, no clear explanation has been given.
A man who describes himself as Zapatero's testaferro, someone who holds assets for another person, has reportedly received growing amounts of money.
The judge has confirmed transfers of money from Plus Ultra, an airline, into Zapatero's personal bank accounts.
Plus Ultra received a large bailout from the Spanish government during a difficult economic period. The company later faced questions about how it used public money.
Company directors from Plus Ultra are now expected to give official statements as part of the ongoing judicial process.
Investigators want to understand why money connected to the government rescue ended up in Zapatero's accounts.
The case has put Zapatero under growing pressure, as both the jewels and the company transfers are being examined at the same time.
No final conclusions have been reached, and the investigation continues as more witnesses are called to testify.
Vocabulary10 words
- judge
- a person who decides legal matters in court
- testaferro
- someone who holds money or property for another person
- transfers
- movements of money between accounts
- bailout
- financial help given to save a company
- directors
- senior people who manage a company
- investigation
- an official process to find out the truth
- witnesses
- people who give information in a legal case
- accounts
- bank records that show a person's money
- assets
- money or valuable things owned by someone
- public money
- money that belongs to the government
Quiz
Answer key
1. They received money transfers from Plus Ultra 2. A person who holds assets for someone else 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A Spanish judge is examining money _____ and expensive jewels connected to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
Two months have passed since Zapatero promised to _____ the origin of some valuable jewels.
A man who describes himself as Zapatero's _____ has reportedly received growing amounts of money.
The judge has confirmed transfers of money from Plus Ultra into Zapatero's personal bank _____.
Plus Ultra received a large _____ from the Spanish government during a difficult economic period.
Company _____ from Plus Ultra are expected to give official statements.
Investigators want to understand why money connected to the government rescue ended up in Zapatero's _____.
The case has put Zapatero under growing _____, as both issues are examined at the same time.
Discussion questions
- Why might it be important for public figures to explain the origin of expensive items?
- What responsibilities do company directors have when receiving public financial help?
- How can courts ensure fair investigations into political figures?
- Why do you think this case has attracted public attention in Spain?