Since the stunning victory of pro-independence parties in the Catalan general elections held on December 21st, the spotlights have been directed at President Puigdemont. His campaign promises to return to Catalonia if he was re-elected, after being in exile in Brussels since last October, opened the door to a historical moment, only comparable to the return of Catalan President Tarradellas to Barcelona on October 23rd, 1977 after being in exile for nearly 38 years, which served to restore the institutions of the Catalan self-government. However, though there are numerous parallels between Tarradellas and Puigdemont, the biggest difference is that Tarradellas made an agreement with Spain prior to his return.
Due to the fact that Puigdemont is coping a national arrest warrant issued by Spain, he is facing the biggest dilemma of his life: Return to Catalonia in order to attend his investiture to become the President of Catalonia and face a possible detention on his arrival, or renounce his investiture and stay in Brussels as the Honorary President instead. This option wouldn’t be risky in the short-term, but after some time the Spanish government may re-activate a European extradition against him, which may succeed.
Puigdemont’s lawyer said, “His only option to become the factual President of Catalonia is to return and face prison.” He added that “Puigdemont should be able to take up the presidency while in prison; yet, it will ultimately depend on the Spanish state which is willing to do everything to smash him. They may find a way to impede him from assuming office.”
Puigdemont’s final decision on his return to Catalonia will be announced over the next month and a half. Until then, all types of speculations will be on the table.
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Josep Goded 