Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia’s former leader who fled Spain following the organization of an illegal independence referendum in 2017, has announced his intention to return home on Thursday, even risking potential arrest. Despite facing potential arrest, Puigdemont plans to attend an event organized by his political party, Together for Catalonia (Junts), near Barcelona’s regional parliament building before a new regional government takes office. The Mossos D’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police, have stated they will follow court orders to arrest Puigdemont upon his return.
In a YouTube announcement, Puigdemont acknowledged the challenges he faces, expressing that he cannot freely attend the scheduled parliamentary session due to what he perceives as long-standing persecution by authorities following the failed independence attempt in 2017. His return is expected to reignite political tensions surrounding the issue of Catalan independence, which sparked a constitutional crisis in Spain. Throughout his career, Puigdemont has adamantly pursued the creation of a new country in northeast Spain, often clashing with separatist parties and the central government in Madrid.
Puigdemont faces charges of misuse of public funds and other offenses related to the secession attempt. A potential amnesty bill proposed by Spain’s Socialist-led coalition government, aimed at pardoning Puigdemont and other supporters of Catalan independence, is being challenged by the Supreme Court, raising uncertainties over the extent of pardons. Despite the legal challenges, Puigdemont remains a revered figure among Catalans seeking independence from Spain.
His dramatic escape from Spain in 2017, which became legendary among his followers, resulted in embarrassment for Spanish law enforcement. Puigdemont has denied rumors of hiding in a car trunk to evade capture after the referendum. His return comes at a critical juncture in Catalonia’s political landscape, potentially complicating the recent agreement reached between the Catalan Socialist Party and other separatist factions.
