The independence leader took refuge in Brussels, Belgium in 2017. He has now left his mansion in Waterloo, settling in the French region of Vallespir, in the south of France, a place that was used as a base to organize an illegal referendum on independence. Catalan independence in 2017.
Although the politician is hiding from Spanish justice, there are no legal obstacles to his nomination. Cases against the former Catalan president accused of embezzlement and terrorism have not resulted in a conviction. The arrest warrants are expected to disappear following the publication of Spain’s amnesty law, scheduled for late May.
At a press conference announcing his candidacy, Carles Puigdemont promised to return to Spain if he gathers the necessary support to take the oath of office in the Catalan parliament in June.
The politician refused to participate in the junta lists in the European elections after early elections were scheduled in Catalonia for May 12. Nine months before the legislature adjourned, the separatist minority government failed to approve a budget proposal.