Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont has once again evaded Spanish authorities, making a brief appearance in Barcelona on August 8, 2024, before leaving the country. This marks his first return to Spain in nearly seven years of self-imposed exile. Puigdemont’s lawyer, Gonzalo Boye, confirmed that his client is now ‘outside the state,’ though he did not specify Puigdemont’s exact whereabouts.The event has sparked significant controversy and criticism of the Spanish government’s handling of the situation. Puigdemont, who fled Spain in 2017 following a failed independence referendum, delivered a short speech to thousands of supporters near the Catalan Parliament before disappearing into the crowd. His party, Junts per Catalunya, claims he was in Barcelona for 48 hours before escaping.Despite an amnesty law negotiated by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Puigdemont still faces charges of embezzlement, which are exempt from the amnesty. The Spanish Supreme Court has ruled that the amnesty does not apply to all charges against Puigdemont. In response to the failed arrest attempt, a judge has requested explanations from the Catalan police and the Spanish Interior Ministry.The incident has put pressure on the Spanish government, with opposition parties criticizing the failure to apprehend Puigdemont. The police operation has been described as an ‘absolute failure’ by the police union. Two police officers have been arrested for allegedly assisting Puigdemont’s escape.Puigdemont’s supporters are celebrating the event as a victory in the fight for Catalan independence. However, the situation remains tense, with potential implications for the stability of the Spanish government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Key points
- Carles Puigdemont briefly appeared in Barcelona after seven years in exile, evading arrest and leaving Spain again.
- The failed arrest attempt has sparked criticism of the Spanish government and investigations into the police operation.
- Puigdemont still faces charges of embezzlement, which are not covered by the recent amnesty law.
- The incident has reignited tensions between Catalan separatists and the Spanish government.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about Puigdemont’s current location, with his party claiming he has left Spain, while the Catalan police chief suggests he may still be in Barcelona.
👾The effectiveness of the amnesty law is disputed, with Puigdemont’s supporters hoping it would suspend his arrest warrant, while the Supreme Court has ruled it doesn’t apply to all charges.
