Spanish ex-PM Zapatero investigated

A Spanish court has placed former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero under investigation for alleged influence peddling.

The probe is linked to a government bailout of a small airline with reported ties to the Venezuelan government.

Zapatero is accused of receiving $2 million in connection with the €53 million rescue of Plus Ultra, a case that has increased pressure on current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

This marks the first time a former Spanish leader has faced formal investigation since the country's transition to democracy in 1975.