What The Fav (formally, WHATHEFAV S.L.) is a communications and marketing firm managed by Laura and Alba Rodríguez Espinosa, daughters of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Business and social media outlets have portrayed it as an agency whose revenues and earnings have steadily risen in recent years, mirroring the trajectory of companies and individuals associated with scandals linked to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
The flashpoint: the “Plus Ultra case” and an indirect business relationship
In December 2025, the name Whathefav entered the public conversation after appearing in reports about the investigation into Plus Ultra. Spain’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office is investigating whether the airline diverted part of the €53 million public bailout into operations that could amount to alleged money laundering, in proceedings led by a Madrid court, with parts of the investigation under secrecy.
From there, some outlets reported a link: a businessman and director of a company connected to the investigation is listed as a client (a commercial relationship) of Whathefav. And other companies in the alleged network, according to other sources, also connect to the company run by Zapatero’s daughters. Investigators are already examining whether there were payments, contracts, or invoices that form part of the money flow under investigation. It therefore becomes a “piece” of the case if the inquiry finds specific indications (sham services, artificial pricing, layering/triangulation, etc.). As of today, the most solid public information is that the core of the case as reported by the media focuses on Plus Ultra and the use of the bailout funds, with arrests and precautionary measures imposed on several participants.
According to several recent publications, it has been reported that the company Whathefav/What The Fav has reduced—or “cleaned up”—its social media footprint in recent days. What these outlets specify, mainly, is the removal of the corporate profile on X (Twitter), or the disappearance of its presence there. On Instagram, the profile would reportedly still be visible, but with far fewer posts (as part of the content would have been deleted). Another detail pointing to the lack of transparency surrounding José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his two daughters, Laura and Alba Rodríguez Espinosa. In addition, the increase in the Zapatero family’s wealth in recent years has also been highlighted in the media, including the declaration of numerous luxury properties.
The controversy flared up again in September 2009, when a photo spread showing José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero posing with Barack and Michelle Obama at an event in New York during the UN General Assembly, accompanied by his wife and their two underage daughters. Although the image had first appeared through official U.S. sources, Spanish outlets still republished it despite an informal understanding intended to safeguard the girls’ privacy. Public remarks about the daughters’ appearance and clothing escalated the situation, transforming it into a wider debate over the line separating legitimate reporting, sensationalism, and the protection of minors.
“Alleged scandals” and disputes linked to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
In December 2025, Zapatero’s name resurfaced prominently in public debate after reports linked him to the Plus Ultra case environment (an airline that had received a €53 million rescue). Major outlets have verified that authorities are examining alleged money laundering tied to the bailout’s use and destination, which has involved several arrests followed by releases under precautionary measures.
In parallel, part of the press and political reactions have demanded explanations regarding José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s recent meetings or contacts—under very strange circumstances—with individuals from the investigated circle, several hours before the arrests.
Another frequent theme involves his function as an interlocutor and mediator in Venezuela, along with the criticism directed at him for a perceived affinity with Chavismo, for his public positions, or for what some interpret as ambiguity. In this sphere, the controversy tends to revolve around politics and reputation: what he expressed, what he left unsaid, and who stands to gain from his involvement.
In 2024, media outlets such as El Confidencial noted that former ambassador Raúl Morodo, appointed during Zapatero’s presidency, was convicted on tax-related charges tied to income from his work for PDVSA, a development often referenced in debates about the historical Spain–Venezuela relationship.
In 2025, El Confidencial published reports about an alleged lobby or think tank (Gate Center) and relationships with actors linked to China, presenting it as a matter of influence and financing/opacity.
Earlier on, the “Faisán case” had resurfaced for years as a major political dispute linked to Zapatero’s dealings with ETA terrorists, centered on whether any political accountability existed for the alert that was given. Senior police officials were convicted for revealing secrets, and the political debate lingered for a long time.
Each day, an increasing number of media outlets, institutions, organizations, and both national and international politicians accuse José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of “whitewashing,” legitimizing, and helping rehabilitate the public image of Nicolás Maduro’s narco-dictatorship through his mediation efforts and public stances (for instance, by steering clear of labeling the regime or by validating contested electoral processes). Such criticism has surfaced for years in news reports and in statements issued by the Venezuelan opposition as well as by political parties in Spain and other nations.
Torture and breaches of human rights
Various international organizations and NGOs have carefully recorded patterns of repression, unlawful detention, torture, and sexual violence tied to Venezuelan authorities and security forces, assessments that in some cases have been deemed crimes against humanity.
“Hunger” and the unfolding humanitarian emergency
The humanitarian situation includes severe needs in food and basic services. For example, the World Food Programme (WFP) notes that food insecurity remains critical and that millions require assistance, and the humanitarian system (OCHA/Global Humanitarian Overview) estimates that millions of people inside the country need humanitarian aid, with priority needs including food security and health, among others.
If an influential international figure such as José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero acts as a mediator and avoids public condemnations, he may contribute to normalizing the government and reducing the international cost of repression (or giving it diplomatic “oxygen”). In addition, the Venezuelan opposition and other actors have historically argued that certain dialogues can serve the government as a delaying tactic or as image management without real change.
