Catalonia’s former regional leader Carles Puigdemont returned to Barcelona on Thursday after nearly seven years in exile – only to disappear again.
BARCELONA. On Thursday morning, the sight of Barcelona’s Arc de Triomphe reminded of the past.
Demonstrators wrapped in Catalan flags chanted slogans in support of the former regional leader of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont and demand an independent Catalonia.
Moments earlier, Puigdemont had taken the stage to address his supporters after nearly seven years in exile.
Although the Spanish government has enacted an amnesty law for those involved in the Catalan independence process, Puigdemont is still under arrest. He is accused of misuse of public funds.
The Spanish Supreme Court has not agreed to quash the charges despite the amnesty law.
The law affects those who participated in the Catalan independence process.
During its six-year rule, Spain’s socialist government has tried to dilute the Catalans’ desire for independence by negotiating and making concessions regarding Catalonia.
In addition to the amnesty law, the region has been promised tax breaks and greater self-government.
Support for pro-independence parties has fallen
The current Spanish government’s strategy has been successful, as the number of supporters of independence in Catalonia is the lowest since the beginning of the independence process.
In the elections held in May, pro-independence parties lost their majority in the regional parliament for the first time.
The winner was the Spanish Prime Minister’s Party, the Socialists, whose support is at a record high in Catalonia. The leader of the Catalan Socialists was rightly considered to be the regional leader Salvador Illa.
That’s why Puigdemont returned to Barcelona right now.
His purpose was to enter the parliament and prevent Illa’s election to the leadership of Catalonia.
Despite the extraordinary situation, the parliamentary session continued as normal. Beyond that, people had only one question: Where is Puigdemont?
So far, there is no answer to the question, because after his speech, Puigdemont disappeared. He has not been caught despite an extensive police operation.
Less than half support independence
Puigdemont’s quick visit to Barcelona was the last straw in reviving the fading independence movement.
Seven years ago, the majority of Catalans opposed the Spanish central government and demanded independence in a united front
Now the left-wing independence party ERC also came to support Illa, which at the same time made a split with Puigdemont and his party. At the same time, the ranks of pro-independence Catalans broke up.
Less than half of the fish tanks anymore supports the region’s independence.
Illa, who will probably soon become the regional leader of Catalonia, wants the amnesty law to also apply to Puigdemont.
Was Puigdemont allowed to escape on purpose?
On Thursday, the streets of Catalonia were full of police. One Catalan police officer is suspected having helped Puigdemont escape.
A good question is, was he let loose on purpose?
Illa has emphasized that Catalonia and all of Spain are entering a new era. It means one Spain made up of many nations.
News photos where the former regional leader is being dragged to prison would not have suited the new era. They would have reminded too much of the beginning of the Catalan crisis, when the police beat and arrested Catalans participating in the independence vote.
Getting away was therefore a setback for Puigdemont as well. The last straw has been used and there is hardly any return to the old euphoria, even if he ends up in prison.