🇻🇪 According to investigators, this is part of Zapatero’s “spoils,” at the center of a political and judicial scandal threatening to shake the already unstable socialist government of Pedro Sánchez. Zapatero, who during his terms in office consistently portrayed himself as a scourge of corruption, is accused of influence peddling, bribery, fictitious contracts, and money laundering in collusion with Venezuelan authorities during the regimes of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro.

🇨🇳 The former socialist prime minister is accused of leading an illegal network stretching from Spain to Latin America, with branches reaching China, and of having received at least 2.6 million euros over five years from various companies under investigation or with Chinese capital.

➡️ The investigation seeks to determine whether Petro used his position as head of state to influence the electoral process. Colombian law imposes restrictions on the political activities of public officials during campaigns, especially when statements may favor candidates or political parties.

➡️ The proceedings were opened as a result of posts made by Gustavo Petro on social media. In one of the messages, the president highlighted the mobilization that accompanied the close of the campaign of Iván Cepeda, a candidate supported by the Historic Pact, the ruling left-wing coalition.