Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has defended a collection of jewellery valued at €1.3 million seized from his office safe last month, describing the items as a “personal courtesy gift” with no financial motive. The jewellery, which includes necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings, was discovered during a search conducted by the National Police’s Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit as part of a broader investigation.

In an interview with state broadcaster TVE, Zapatero, who led Spain from 2004 to 2011 as head of the Socialist Workers’ Party, asserted that he had done nothing improper. He maintained that the jewellery had been given to him many years ago and that neither he nor his family were aware of its precise value at the time of receipt. The former prime minister also expressed disagreement with the valuation set by court-appointed experts and said his family plans to seek an independent appraisal of the collection’s worth.

Details reported in Spanish media indicated that the items contained gold, sapphires, and emeralds, with origins traced to Zambia or Thailand. Zapatero declined to disclose the donor’s identity, citing respect for ongoing legal procedures, and pledged to provide full clarification to the investigating judge. He noted that the jewellery was stored alongside other family items in the safe and had never been publicly discussed.

Zapatero’s comments come amid an investigation related to a €53 million government bailout of an airline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities are examining allegations against him involving money laundering, tax fraud, influence peddling, and smuggling. When questioned about the accusations, he denied any fraudulent intent.

The former leader also responded to recent remarks by his associate Julio Martínez Martínez, who suggested Zapatero managed a company currently under official scrutiny. Zapatero rejected this claim, emphasizing his innocence and denying any involvement in corrupt activities.

This interview marked Zapatero’s first public statement since the jewellery seizure and his initial testimony before an investigating judge. He committed to providing further information about the jewellery’s origins “within a week,” reaffirming his cooperation with authorities as the inquiry continues.