Briefing
Former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has the Audiencia Nacional submitted a written request on 23 September 2026, stating that about a dozen of the jewels seized during the search on 19 May 2026 were a personal gift from the then King of Saudi Arabia . According to the defence, the statement refers to a presentation during the Saudi king’s official visit to Spain on 18 and 19 June 2007.
Zapatero asks the investigating judge presiding over the case José Luis Calamato use formal cooperation channels, if necessary, to have the pieces’ provenance confirmed by Saudi authorities. The letter, which was added to the case file, notes that documents already exist for three other gifts from the same visit, recording their transfer to Patrimonio Nacional.
The new account is in clear conflict with earlier public statements by the former president’s spokesperson: Luis Arroyo said on Cadena SER on 25 May 2026 that the jewellery came from family “inheritances” and individual gifts; at the time, “as far as he could recall”, he had not mentioned a gift from Saudi Arabia.
Judicial authorities have said that the most valuable items found will be examined by an expert to determine their materials, manufacturing characteristics and value. The progress of the proceedings as part of the investigation into the so-called Plus Ultra context will depend on whether the alleged gift can be substantiated by independent, documented confirmation.
So far, the PSOE and opposition parties have responded cautiously: the PSOE stresses the presumption of innocence and Zapatero’s cooperation, while the opposition is calling for a thorough investigation. Until the provenance of the items has been conclusively verified, legal assessments remain open.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).