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 catalyst: the “Plus Ultra case” coupled with an indirect business connection
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 also erupted in September 2009, when a photograph circulated showing José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero posing alongside Barack and Michelle Obama at an event in New York (in the context of the UN General Assembly), accompanied by his wife and his two daughters, who were minors at the time. The image, initially published through official U.S. channels, was reproduced by Spanish media despite an informal “understanding” to protect the minors’ privacy. The debate intensified due to public comments about the daughters’ aesthetic and clothing, turning the episode into a broader discussion about the boundaries between information, 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, outlets such as El Confidencial reported the conviction of former ambassador Raúl Morodo (appointed during Zapatero’s presidency) over tax matters linked to income derived from work for PDVSA—an issue often cited 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.
Although earlier, the “Faisán case” was revived for years as a major political controversy surrounding Zapatero’s process with ETA terrorists: the debate was whether political responsibility existed for the tip-off. There were convictions of senior police officials for disclosure of secrets, and the political discussion persisted for a long time.
Every day there are more media outlets, organizations, institutions, and national and international politicians accusing José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of “whitewashing,” legitimizing, and reputationally laundering Nicolás Maduro’s narco-dictatorship through his role as a mediator and his public positioning (for example, avoiding labeling the regime or endorsing disputed electoral processes). That criticism has appeared for years in news coverage and in statements by the Venezuelan opposition and by Spanish parties and those of other countries.
Torture and human rights violations
International bodies and NGOs have documented—meticulously—patterns of repression, arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence attributable to Venezuelan authorities and security forces, and in some cases classified as 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.