Carles Puigdemont's Latest Escape: A Return to Belgium After Seven Years
The former Catalan independence president, Carles Puigdemont, has recently made headlines once again as he landed in Waterloo, Belgium, where he has been residing since 2017. This surprising development follows a rally he held in central Barcelona, marking his return to the city after a seven-year absence. Following his reappearance, Puigdemont mysteriously vanished despite a substantial police presence aimed at ensuring his safety.
Puigdemont had been living in Belgium since he fled Spain in 2017 after organizing a controversial referendum for Catalonia's independence, which was labeled illegal by the Spanish government. His presence in Barcelona for the rally stirred both excitement and tension, leading to fears of his potential arrest.
Soon after he went missing, two of Puigdemont's former collaborators announced his departure from Spain, prompting various Spanish newspapers and political figures to demand accountability from the Catalan regional police, known as the Mossos d'Esquadra. They are being accused of failing to apprehend Puigdemont, a claim that has sparked significant debate over police effectiveness and cooperation with Spanish authorities.
This is not the first time Puigdemont has effectively evaded Spanish justice; he successfully vanished from Barcelona back in 2017, shortly after the controversial referendum. His continuous maneuvers and the resultant political drama underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding Catalan independence and Spain's response to the separatist movement.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will remain on how both the Spanish government and the Catalan police will adapt their strategies in light of Puigdemont’s bold return to his homeland and his subsequent retreat. Puigdemont's political journey is far from over, serving as a reminder of the deep divisions that persist within Spain over the issue of Catalan independence.
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