Carles Puigdemont, the former president of Catalonia, can now return to Spain without the risk of arrest, following a ruling from the Supreme Court. This decision comes after nearly ten years of self-imposed exile due to his role in the 2017 independence referendum, which led to a significant political crisis in Spain.
The court's ruling ends a protracted legal battle and follows a recent interpretation by the Constitutional Court that lifted the arrest warrant. While Catalan independence has become a less prominent issue in Spanish politics, Puigdemont remains an influential figure, having been elected to the European Parliament and the Catalan parliament in recent years.
Puigdemont's potential return could reshape Catalan politics, especially with upcoming elections. Observers should monitor how his presence influences the JxCat party's strategy and voter sentiment, particularly as housing and immigration dominate the national agenda.