Spain's Zapatero says seized jewels worth $1.5 million were a 'courtesy gift'

Former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero says the €1.3 million of jewellery seized by police was a long-kept personal gift, not linked to his politics, and disputes the valuation.
He is under investigation over alleged influence‑peddling (including the Plus Ultra airline rescue) and denies any wrongdoing.
The case has added to corruption scandals pressuring the governing Socialist Party and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, with the opposition voicing strong skepticism.