Police find luxury watches and jewellery in safe at Spanish PM's office in Madrid

A safe filled with luxury watches and jewellery was discovered during a police search at the Madrid office of Spain's former Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The discovery marks a new twist in a corruption scandal shaking Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government.

Spanish authorities have uncovered a safe containing luxury watches and jewellery at the Madrid office of former Prime Minister [José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero](/politicians/jose-luis-rodriguez-zapatero), according to reports cited by The Times. The items are alleged to have been received as gifts, raising serious questions about conduct during his time in office.

The discovery came during a police search and represents a fresh blow to the government of current Prime Minister [Pedro Sánchez](/politicians/pedro-sanchez), whose administration has been increasingly battered by a widening corruption scandal. The finds add a new chapter to what has become one of Spain's most politically damaging investigations in recent years.

Zapatero, who led Spain as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011 under the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, has not yet publicly commented on the police findings. The nature and total value of the items recovered from the safe have not been officially disclosed.

The scandal has placed Sánchez's Socialist-led coalition under mounting pressure, with opposition parties demanding accountability and transparency. Critics argue the revelations point to a broader culture of improper gift-receiving within the party's inner circles.

Spanish authorities have not confirmed the full scope of the investigation, but the search of Zapatero's former office suggests the probe is expanding. Political analysts warn the timing could prove damaging ahead of upcoming regional political contests in Spain.