Carles Puigdemont’s Controversial Return to Barcelona and Subsequent Escape

Carles Puigdemont’s Disappearance Sparks Controversy

Carles Puigdemont, the exiled Catalonia pro-independence leader, has once again eluded Spanish authorities after making a surprising appearance in Barcelona this week. His lawyer confirmed on Friday that Puigdemont has fled the country following a public rally he held earlier.

Puigdemont, who served as president of the Catalan government during the controversial 2017 independence referendum, has been living in self-imposed exile since that time. Despite facing an arrest warrant issued by Spanish authorities, he returned to Barcelona for a rally near the regional Parliament on Thursday, reigniting discussions surrounding Catalan independence.

In response to his unexpected return, the Spanish police initiated a manhunt, implementing roadblocks and conducting checks on vehicles entering and exiting Barcelona. However, on Friday, his lawyer, Gonzalo Boye, announced on Catalan radio that Puigdemont had successfully left Spain.

Prior to his return, Puigdemont had indicated his intention to be in Barcelona for the voting of the new president of the regional Parliament, a Socialist candidate who does not support Catalan independence. Analysts viewed his return as a desperate effort to maintain his relevance in Catalonia, particularly as pro-independence parties did not secure an outright majority in the recent regional elections for the first time in decades.

Jordi Turull, the general secretary of Puigdemont’s party, revealed that the leader was on his way back to Waterloo, Belgium, where he has resided during his exile. Turull mentioned that Puigdemont had spent several days in Spain prior to the rally.

The enigmatic appearance and subsequent disappearance of Puigdemont, a figure who elicits strong opinions both for and against, has left the nation bewildered. Many people questioned how the Spanish authorities permitted him to return, deliver a speech to supporters, and then escape without capture.

In a twist of events, two members of Catalonia’s police force were arrested on suspicion of assisting Puigdemont in his escape. The opposition has accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of “humiliating” Spain, highlighting significant lapses in security.

Despite the controversy, Puigdemont’s supporters expressed their enthusiasm. Anna Navarro, a regional lawmaker affiliated with Puigdemont’s party, stated, “I am extremely happy that he came, that he managed to talk and that he was able to say what he wanted to say. It was an incredible day for the independence movement.”