Exiled separatist Puigdemont will run to lead Catalonia

Carles Puigdemont, a Catalan separatist who is currently in exile, has announced his intention to run for leadership of the northeastern region in elections scheduled for May. This decision comes despite the fact that he could face arrest if he returns to Spain.

In a speech delivered in the French town of Elne, located near the Spanish border, Puigdemont emphasized his commitment to continuing the independence process that began in October 2017. He is the founder of the hardline separatist party Junts and remains a prominent figure in the movement.

Puigdemont is currently the subject of an arrest warrant in Spain due to his role as president of Catalonia during a controversial 2017 referendum on independence and subsequent declaration of independence, which was deemed illegal by Spanish courts. The move led to a major political crisis in Spain, culminating in the imposition of direct rule by Madrid.

In order to evade arrest on charges of disobedience and embezzlement related to the crisis, Puigdemont fled to Belgium, where he currently resides and serves as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

Despite the threat of arrest, Puigdemont may consider returning to Spain to take office following the announcement of an amnesty for separatists by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist party. This offer was made in exchange for the support of separatists to bolster the minority government.

If Puigdemont emerges victorious in the Catalan election, it would be a significant setback for the Sanchez government, which has faced criticism for granting amnesty to separatist leaders. Such a result would likely reignite the drive for Catalan independence.

Currently, the Socialist party is leading in polls for regional leadership in Catalonia, indicating that they may be able to secure power from the separatists. Officials from the Socialist party have expressed confidence in their position and do not appear to be overly concerned about Puigdemont’s potential candidacy in the upcoming election.

Carles Puigdemont’s bid for leadership in Catalonia represents a complex and contentious issue within Spanish politics, with implications that extend beyond the regional level. The outcome of the May elections will have a significant impact on the future of Catalonia and the ongoing debate over independence.

Despite the challenges he faces, Puigdemont remains determined to play a key role in the Catalan independence movement and believes that the time is ripe for his return to the region. His candidacy is likely to add further fuel to the already heated political atmosphere in Spain.

As the election approaches, the focus will increasingly shift to the potential outcomes and ramifications of Puigdemont’s participation, as well as the broader implications for the relationship between Catalonia and the Spanish government. The stage is set for a high-stakes political battle that will have far-reaching consequences.

(Reporting by Joan Faus, writing by Aislinn Laing; editing by Barbara Lewis)