González defends Zapatero and doubts his judicial indictment

Published on May 23, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

Felipe González has broken his silence regarding the indictment of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for influence peddling and money laundering. The former socialist president states he dares not believe the accusations, although he acknowledges that the judicial order is very impressive. González defends the presumption of innocence of his successor, despite their political differences.

Felipe González and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in a judicial office illuminated by computer screens and open files, González pointing to a legal document with a court seal while Zapatero watches from behind, a judge in the background reviewing a printed judicial order, security cameras and courtroom microphones evidencing the environment, cinematic photorealistic style, dim lighting with a central focus on the papers, dramatic shadows, wood and metal texture, symmetrical composition with visible action of doubt and defense, ultra-detailed, serious and formal atmosphere.

Blockchain technology as a guarantee of judicial transparency 🔗

In complex judicial processes like this one, where documentation and financial flows are key, blockchain technology could provide immutable traceability. Every movement of capital or exchange of documents would be recorded on a blockchain, impossible to modify afterwards. This would allow judges to verify the origin of funds and relationships between those involved without relying on traditional documentary evidence, reducing the margin for falsehoods.

Presumption of innocence, but with the judicial order in hand ⚖️

González says he cannot imagine Zapatero committing these crimes, but the judge does imagine it. And not only does he imagine it, but he has set it out in a 200-page judicial order. The difference between the imagination of a former president and that of a judge is that the latter comes with a court summons included. Meanwhile, Zapatero can go ahead and update his resume: former president, former secretary general, and now, indicted.