⚖️💼 Allegations of commission in Plus Ultra bailout raise integrity concerns

Oneliner

Allegations have surfaced regarding a potential 1% commission contract held by Julio Martínez related to the €53 million bailout of Plus Ultra, a Spanish airline. Despite claiming financial distress, Plus Ultra hired Martínez's firm, Análisis Relevante, raising questions about its financial management. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has criticized the government’s spending practices, suggesting a lack of integrity in handling public funds. The case is currently under investigation for potential money laundering and conflicts of interest.

Key points

• Julio Martínez allegedly held a draft contract for a 1% commission on Plus Ultra's €53 million bailout.
• Plus Ultra hired Martínez's firm, Análisis Relevante, during a financial crisis while claiming to be short of €48 million.
• Opposition leader Feijóo questions the integrity of government spending linked to the bailout.
• The case is under investigation for potential money laundering and conflicts of interest.

Links

• El Mundo: El amigo que pagó a Zapatero tenía en un contrato cobrar una comisión del 1% del rescate de Plus Ultra
• El Mundo: Plus Ultra contrató a la empresa del amigo de Zapatero mientras decía a la Sepi que le faltaban 48 millones en caja
• El Mundo: Feijóo cuestiona la comisión que tenía en un contrato el asesor de Plus Ultra: "Parece que Zapatero nos puede dar alguna pista de dónde han metido nuestro dinero"

Facts

• Plus Ultra received €53 million in public funds in March 2021.
• Julio Martínez was reportedly paid around €450,000 by Plus Ultra through Análisis Relevante.
• The airline claimed a cash shortfall of €48 million when applying for the bailout.
• Investigating Court No. 15 in Madrid is currently examining the Plus Ultra case.

Quotes

• It seems that [José Luis Rodríguez] Zapatero might be able to give us a clue about where they've put our money — Alberto Núñez Feijóo
• Absolutely zero — José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on his involvement in the bailout

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