In brief
The Spanish Supreme Court has ruled that former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont may return to Spain without fear of arrest, lifting an arrest warrant that has stood for almost ten years. The decision follows earlier court approval of a blanket amnesty for dozens of Catalan politicians, excluding Puigdemont and several of his former ministers due to alleged financial crimes linked to the 2017 independence referendum. While the ruling ends a long legal struggle, it does not guarantee an immediate return, and analysts note that the independence issue remains a marginal political topic in Spain’s current agenda dominated by housing and immigration. The court’s action also clears the way for former ministers Lluís Puig and Toni Comín to return, amid speculation that Spain’s upcoming elections may bring a far‑right coalition to power.
On Monday, Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont may return to Spain without fear of arrest, lifting an arrest warrant that had stood since the 2017 independence referendum.
The decision follows the court’s earlier approval of a blanket amnesty for dozens of Catalan politicians, excluding Puigdemont and several of his former ministers on the grounds of alleged financial crimes linked to the vote. It also defeats an appeal from the far‑right Vox party that sought to maintain the crown warrant.
Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium after the vote was declared illegal, has continued to act as a symbolic leader for the independence movement from abroad, speaking at rallies across Europe and to the European Parliament. Recent public comments suggest he intends to stay outside Spain until the political climate settles.
The ruling marks the end of a long legal fight between the judiciary and the ex‑leader, but it does not guarantee an immediate return. Political analysts say the move could restart debate over the 2017 crisis, although the independence issue is now a marginal element in Spain’s domestic agenda, which is dominated by matters such as housing and immigration.
The Supreme Court’s decision also clears the way for former ministers Lluís Puig and Toni Comín to return, as their national arrest warrants were likewise canceled. The outcome comes amid speculation that Spain’s coming general election could bring a far‑right coalition to power for the first time.
