Catalan Independence Leader Allowed to Return to Country

Puigdemont declared Catalonia's independence in 2017 and subsequently left for Belgium, where he lived in exile. In the independence referendum, the majority of those who came to the polls supported separation from Spain. However, the vote was predominantly participated in by supporters of independence, as Madrid had already declared the referendum illegal.

In response to the declaration of independence, Spanish authorities imposed direct rule in Catalonia, dissolved the local parliament, and called early elections. Puigdemont left for Belgium, while nine of his associates in Spain received prison sentences. In 2021, the government pardoned them.

After a change in Spain's parliament and government in 2024, an amnesty was declared for dozens of Catalan politicians and activists who participated in the separatist movement and the 2017 referendum. However, the Supreme Court initially ruled that the amnesty did not apply to charges of embezzlement against Puigdemont and some of his associates. Another judge, investigating suspicions of a conspiracy between Catalan separatists and Russia, also decided not to apply the amnesty to those involved in that case, including Puigdemont.

In October 2026, Spain's Constitutional Court overturned the decision not to apply the amnesty to Puigdemont and his associates. The far-right Vox party, which opposes Catalonia's independence and even its autonomy, appealed this decision, but on Monday, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal. Thus, there are no longer any legal obstacles to Puigdemont's return related to these cases.

In 2024, Puigdemont unexpectedly returned to Catalonia and spoke at a rally in Barcelona, after which he again left the country. Police attempted to find and arrest him, but without success.

In 2019, Puigdemont was elected as a Member of the European Parliament, and in 2024, as a Member of the Catalan Parliament for the center-right party "Together for Catalonia" (Junts per Catalunya, JxCat). However, he conducted his election campaigns outside of Spain, gathering supporters at rallies in Southern France.

Following the Supreme Court's decision, Puigdemont published a video message on social media. He stated that his task until now had been to "internationalize the conflict" between Barcelona and Madrid and to explain to the European public what was happening in Spain. Whether he will now return to his homeland is not yet known.

According to the BBC's correspondent in Madrid, during Puigdemont's absence, the issue of Catalonia's independence has receded into the background of Spanish politics. Greater attention is now being drawn to the problems of immigration and housing costs.

After the 2023 elections, the JxCat party supported socialist leader Pedro Sánchez, allowing him to form a government. In Catalonia itself, the party has lost some supporters, although it remains in second or third place in polls.

A serious competitor has emerged on its right — the ethno-nationalist party "Catalan Alliance" (Aliança Catalana). Unlike Vox, it also advocates for Catalonia's independence.

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