José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has broken 29 days of silence this Wednesday to publicly defend his innocence, after appearing before the National Court. He has done so through a brief statement, in which he assures that he faces accusations for "very serious crimes" that he denies having committed, stating that he will fully cooperate with Justice to prove it.
Zapatero explains that he had remained silent out of "respect for Justice and His Lordship," considering that it was the judge who should first hear his version of events. However, he has announced that in the coming days he will offer new public explanations on the case.
He Assures He Always Acted with "Decency and Honesty"
During his speech, the former president defended his personal and political career and stated that he has always conducted himself with "decency" and "honesty."
"I am accused of very serious crimes that I have not committed. I always conducted myself with decency and honesty, and now I have the task of proving it ahead of me," he stated. Likewise, he assures that he faces this process with "absolute transparency" and with full confidence in the functioning of Justice.
He Authorizes Investigation of His Assets
Zapatero says he has presented a voluntary universal authorization to the court so that his assets and financial accounts can be investigated. As he explains, he has made all the necessary mechanisms available to the court to prove that he does not have companies, accounts, financial products, or any other assets outside of Spain, either directly or indirectly. "I have absolutely nothing outside of Spain," he stressed.
He Asks Citizens for Trust
Zapatero admits that the situation is generating doubts among some citizens, something he describes as the most painful aspect of the process. "When one knows oneself to be completely innocent, as is my case, and fully trusts Justice, the most painful thing is to know that many people may feel disappointed if they believe the things that are being said about me," he pointed out.
The former president also sends a direct message to those who may have doubts about his actions and asks for their trust that the facts will eventually be clarified.
"It will take us more or less time to prove it, but the truth will prevail and I will restore the trust of those who now doubt," he concluded.
full statement from zapatero
Four points
This is Zapatero's full statement:
- The first thing is to thank all of you for waiting, and also the citizens. I have been silent for 29 days, preparing this moment and those to come. I remained silent out of respect for Justice and for His Honor, who was the first to hear me. Have no doubt that in the coming days I will provide the appropriate explanations.
- I am accused of very serious crimes that I have not committed. I have always conducted myself with decency and honesty, and now I have the task of proving it. I will do so with absolute transparency and full confidence.
- I have presented the Court with a voluntary universal authorization so that the non-existence of companies, money, financial products, or any assets held by me directly or indirectly can be verified. Because I have absolutely nothing outside of Spain.
- When one knows they are completely innocent, as is my case, and fully trusts in Justice, the most painful thing is knowing that many people may feel disappointed if they believe the things being said about me. My message is also to all those fellow citizens: I ask for your trust. I will not disappoint you. It will cost us more or less time to prove it, but the truth will prevail and I will restore the trust of those who now doubt. You will see. Thank you very much.