The former head of the Catalan regional government, Carles Puigdemont, has vowed to return to the country despite the threat of arrest.
Puigdemont made his announcement at a large gathering in southern France this Saturday. He intensified his efforts to prevent a pact between Catalan socialists and the Republican Left of Catalonia, which would see Salvador Illa become the next head of the regional government.
Without explicitly mentioning the Republicans, Puigdemont warned against Illa’s presidency, as he represents “the most pro-Spanish version of the Generalitat (regional government).”
He confirmed his intent to return to Catalonia for the inaugural session, expected to occur in the second week of August.
“I will be in parliament, Mr President,” Puigdemont declared from an outdoor podium, addressing the president of the autonomous chamber, Josep Rull. “There will be no more election campaigns in exile. The next one will be there, and I will be there, no matter who opposes it. Exile must end,” stated the leader of the Junts party.
He is aware that his return to Spain would automatically mean his arrest and likely detention as he faces charges of aggravated embezzlement related to the attempted secession of Catalonia from Spain.
Investigating judge Pablo Llarena, presiding over the case concerning the Catalan independence process (referred to as “the Process”), has not only refused to apply amnesty to Puigdemont’s case but has also upheld a national arrest warrant.
This is not the first time Puigdemont has pledged to return from abroad. Seven years ago, he fled to Belgium to avoid the Spanish justice system, which he likened to the mafia.
On Tuesday, 9 July, the Spanish Supreme Court halted the investigation into the so-called terrorism case against Puigdemont, the former Catalan president and leader of the separatist Junts party. However, this decision does not affect the arrest warrant related to other charges, including embezzlement and disobedience, which carry a prison sentence of up to eight years.
These charges were expected to be nullified by the Catalan separatists’ amnesty law, initiated by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government to gain the support of Catalan parties. Yet, the Spanish court has refused to extend its application to Puigdemont.
Puigdemont’s declaration of his imminent return comes at a critical juncture in Catalonia’s political landscape. The potential inauguration of Salvador Illa as the head of the regional government represents a significant shift towards pro-Spanish governance in Catalonia, a region that has seen intense political turmoil and a push for independence in recent years.
Read also:
Salvador Illa Leads Spanish Socialist Party to Victory in Catalonia
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