The decision of the National Court to investigate former President of the Government José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in the Plus Ultra case has provoked an immediate reaction among the usual parliamentary partners of Pedro Sánchez's Executive.
Although none of these formations have so far proposed a political break with the Government over this matter, a tone of greater distance from the socialist closing of ranks is apparent. In most cases, the message combines two elements: an appeal to the presumption of innocence and a demand for explanations given the seriousness of the case.
From Sumar's caution to the harshness of some allies
From Sumar, the spokesperson in Congress, Verónica Martínez Barbero, expressed doubts about the origin of the case, in a message of political prudence regarding the judicial investigation. Later, the group's spokesperson for Justice and Interior, Enrique Santiago, hardened the tone by stating that the time has come to clearly regulate the activity of former presidents and recalling that receiving payment for political dealings would constitute a crime if proven.
Podemos has also distanced itself. Its general secretary, Ione Belarra, publicly admitted the seriousness of the known content and avoided a full endorsement of the former socialist president, in a reaction that shows discomfort within the political space to the left of the PSOE.
In ERC, Gabriel Rufián has also shown a critical tone. The republican spokesperson publicly acknowledged his disappointment and admitted to having been wrong in initially defending Zapatero, one of the most explicit statements among the Executive's parliamentary allies.
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The PNV has opted for a more institutional line. The lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, described the matter as serious and called for swift and transparent explanations, while emphasizing respect for the presumption of innocence and avoiding more forceful political pronouncements.
EH Bildu, for its part, has maintained a position of public prudence, without declarations of a similar caliber to those of other partners, but within the general framework of caution regarding an investigation still in its initial phase.
Compromís has been more explicit. Joan Baldoví stated that he does not like what has been revealed so far, spoke of "dark spots," and demanded explanations, insisting that any possible case of corruption must be combated regardless of political affiliation.
The political map left by this joint reaction is not one of immediate rupture with the Executive, but it is one of evident deterioration of political support for Zapatero outside the PSOE. Even among habitual government partners, the dominant message is no longer one of closed defense, but of caution, concern, and demands for clarification.