Carles Puigdemont Returns to Catalonia Amid Political Tension
Carles Puigdemont, the former leader of Catalonia who fled Spain over his role in a failed 2017 independence bid, made a dramatic return on Thursday, August 8, after seven years on the run. Despite a pending arrest warrant, Puigdemont raised his fist and shouted 'Long live a free Catalonia' as he stepped onto a stage in Barcelona to address thousands of supporters gathered near the Catalan regional parliament, which was set to elect a new leader later that day.
In his brief address, Puigdemont emphasized the resilience of the Catalan independence movement, stating, 'I have come here to remind you that we are still here,' as the crowd waved red, yellow, and blue flags symbolizing Catalan independence. Following his speech, he appeared to move towards the Catalan parliament, but the assembly began an investiture vote to choose a new regional leader without his presence.
Simultaneously, a small group of counter-protesters gathered nearby, brandishing Spanish flags and holding signs declaring 'Catalonia is Spain,' in a demonstration orchestrated by the far-right party Vox.
Puigdemont's return coincided with a recent political development in the region. Just days prior, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists reached a deal with the moderate Catalan separatist party ERC, which is a competitor to Puigdemont’s more hardline JxCAT. As part of this agreement, the Socialist candidate, Salvador Illa, was positioned to become the next head of the Catalan regional government. Although the Socialists secured the most seats in a regional election held in May, they fell short of a majority, making the ERC's support crucial to forming a government.
If a new Catalan regional government is not established by August 26, fresh elections will be required in October.
Puigdemont served as Catalonia’s president in 2017 during a controversial drive for independence that included a referendum deemed illegal by Spanish courts, leading to a brief declaration of independence. Following this challenge to Spain’s unity, he fled the country to avoid prosecution, spending the intervening years in Belgium and more recently in France.
Although Spain's parliament passed an amnesty law in May for those involved in the failed secession attempt, the Supreme Court ruled on July 1 that this measure would not fully apply to Puigdemont. In a video posted on social media, Puigdemont accused Spanish authorities of a prolonged persecution. 'This challenge must be answered and confronted,' he asserted, indicating that his return to Catalonia was not merely symbolic but a continuation of the struggle for independence.
As the political landscape in Catalonia continues to evolve, Puigdemont's return is likely to impact both regional and national politics in Spain, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the issue of Catalan independence.
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