MADRID – Spain’s Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted the arrest warrant for former Catalan regional president and separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, clearing the way for his possible return to Spain after nearly a decade in exile.
Puigdemont fled to Belgium in 2017 after leading a failed attempt to make Catalonia independent from Spain. He had remained outside the country to avoid arrest over his role in the independence bid.
The decision followed a ruling by Spain’s Constitutional Court that an amnesty law adopted in 2024 also applies to embezzlement cases linked to the Catalan independence attempt.
Puigdemont’s return could have political implications as Spain prepares for a snap general election on November 29. His Junts party has played an important role in Spanish politics and previously supported Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government.
Puigdemont welcomed the court decision but did not immediately confirm when he would return to Spain.
Sources: AP, DW
