Spain's Supreme Court lifts restrictions on Puigdemont's return to the country

Legal ruling paves the way for former Catalan leader's return

Spain's Supreme Court has issued a ruling that allows Carles Puigdemont to return to his homeland without the threat of arrest. This former president of Catalonia, who declared the region's independence nine years ago, has lived in exile in Belgium since then. Now he and two of his former ministers can move freely across Spanish territory.

Amnesty context and judicial obstacles

In 2024, following a change in parliament and government in Spain, an amnesty was declared for dozens of Catalan politicians and activists involved in the separatist movement and the 2017 referendum. However, at that time, the Supreme Court held that this amnesty did not apply to the embezzlement charges brought against Puigdemont and his associates. A separate judge investigating suspicions of a separatist conspiracy with Russia also ruled that the amnesty did not extend to those charged in that case, including Puigdemont himself.

Constitutional Court's stance and Vox's appeal

In October this year, Spain's Constitutional Court overturned the decision not to apply the amnesty to Puigdemont and his followers. However, the far-right party Vox, which opposes both independence and even autonomy for Catalonia, filed an appeal. On Monday, the Supreme Court rejected this complaint, thereby finally removing the legal barriers to the return of the former politicians.

Who can return and the history of the conflict

Currently, Puigdemont, as well as two ministers from his former government — Lluís Puig and Toni Comín — have the right to return to Spain. It is worth noting that during the 2017 referendum, the majority of those who came to the polling stations supported separation from Spain, although the vote was attended predominantly by independence supporters, as Madrid had previously declared the process illegal.

Following the declaration of independence by Puigdemont and his team, the central government introduced direct rule in Catalonia, dissolved the regional parliament, and called for early elections. Puigdemont himself was forced to flee to Belgium. In 2024, he unexpectedly appeared in his homeland and spoke at a rally in Barcelona, after which he disappeared despite police attempts to locate and arrest him.