José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero knows he has two problems. He made this clear in his first public appearance since his status as a person under investigation became known. The first problem is with the justice system, as being embroiled in a legal process in which defending his innocence demands a legal strategy with no margin for error. Rodríguez Zapatero has asserted his right to a defense and the presumption of innocence by invoking the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. He has also denounced the violation of his rights suffered when his entire agenda was made public. The other problem is connected to the duty of explanation that falls upon anyone who has held the office of Prime Minister. How can this strategy be combined without compromising the best possible defense of the private citizen and the reputation of the public figure? The interview on TVE was the occasion to attempt this, and it also concealed a third, even more demanding objective: to contain the damage caused to the Government by Julio Martínez's statement attributing to Zapatero certain actions regarding the Plus Ultra bailout.
The private citizen Rodríguez Zapatero assured viewers that he has not engaged in corruption and that all his consultancy activity is in accordance with the law. Throughout the interview he defended his innocence — and that of his secretary — without questioning the defense strategy of any other defendant. He responded in these terms when asked to explain the statements made by Julio Martínez. Zapatero did not wish to disavow a longstanding friendship. Even so, his facial expression hardened noticeably when asked whether he felt betrayed.
President Zapatero stated that he has never trafficked in influence, and it is here that the declaration the Government needed in order to continue publicly defending his innocence lies: "No one will be able to say that I spoke with anyone, neither at SEPI nor in the Government, regarding the Plus Ultra bailout," he said. "I reiterate my statements about my null role in the Plus Ultra bailout," he continued, concluding: "I did not intervene in anything." He does acknowledge having called a Santander executive to ask him to meet with certain people — something which, in his view, does not constitute the exercise of influence.
There was also time for the jewels. "It is a courtesy gift, personal... with no use or purpose." And that was the extent of the explanation for the most contentious chapter, which does nothing to dispel doubts. The only barb the former president allowed himself was aimed at Felipe González. "He would know about that, perhaps," he replied regarding the claim González attributed to him about his inability to design a sophisticated financial structure. End of interview.
