Former Catalonia president Carles Puigdemont has returned to Spain in a bold move to prevent the Catalan parliament from voting in a new government led by socialist Salvador Illa. Puigdemont, who fled Spain after organizing an illegal independence referendum nearly seven years ago, faces charges of embezzlement for his role in trying to break Catalonia away from Spain. Despite a pending arrest warrant, Puigdemont defiantly appeared in Barcelona to cheers from his supporters.
During a rally organized by his political party, Together for Catalonia, ahead of the parliament session, tens of thousands of supporters gathered wearing V for Vendetta-style masks of Puigdemont. The former leader announced his intention to prevent the vote on the new government, citing the need to return to “normal democratic conditions.”
Experts predict that Puigdemont’s return will likely result in his arrest, as he will be easily located once back in Spain. While the regional parliament may have some tools to delay his arrest, ultimately, he will likely face legal consequences. His lawyer could invoke the controversial Amnesty Law approved by Spain’s national parliament in May, which could potentially benefit Puigdemont and other Catalan separatists involved in the 2017 secession bid.
The situation surrounding Puigdemont’s return to Spain remains tense, with uncertainties about his fate once he is apprehended. The ongoing political turmoil in Catalonia showcases the deep divides within the region and the challenges faced by separatist leaders in their quest for independence.
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