Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has left Spain, according to statements by an ally. He had been living in the country since earlier this year, avoiding an arrest warrant issued by Spanish authorities for his role in organizing a banned referendum on Catalan independence in 2017.
It’s not confirmed where he is currently, but he had previously taken refuge in Belgium, where he successfully fought extradition to Spain and was able to participate in European politics.
The Spanish Supreme Court issued an international arrest warrant for Puigdemont and several of his associates in 2017, accusing them of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds. However, attempts to have Puigdemont extradited to face these charges have so far failed.
It’s worth mentioning that the political situation in Spain, and particularly in Catalonia, remains complex, and the tension between those who support Catalan independence and those who prefer to remain part of Spain is a significant ongoing issue.
