Fugitive Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont made headlines on Friday as he announced that he had left Spain for Belgium, after briefly addressing supporters in Barcelona. Puigdemont’s departure has sparked a controversy over how he was able to evade arrest once again, after defying an arrest warrant to return to Spain on Thursday.
Puigdemont, who had fled abroad following his role in the failed 2017 independence bid for Catalonia, has continued to be a controversial figure in Spanish politics. His decision to leave the country and seek refuge in Belgium comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Spanish government and Catalan separatists.
The Catalonia region has been embroiled in political turmoil and calls for independence for several years, with Puigdemont at the center of the movement. His actions have prompted strong reactions from both supporters and opponents, making him a highly polarizing figure in Spanish politics.
The latest development in Puigdemont’s saga is likely to fuel further debate and discussion about the issue of Catalan independence and the ongoing standoff between the region and the Spanish central government. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Puigdemont and the broader independence movement in Catalonia.
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Video “Fugitive Catalan separatist leader Puigdemont says in Belgium • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 08/10/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English