Carles Puigdemont Returns to Spain After Exile

Carles Puigdemont, the former leader of Catalonia, made a dramatic return to Spain after seven years in exile, despite facing an outstanding arrest warrant. Upon his arrival in Barcelona, he addressed a crowd of supporters, denouncing the Spanish government's actions and asserting that holding a referendum is not a crime. His return is seen as an attempt to disrupt the investiture of Socialist Salvador Illa as the new Catalan president and to assert his party's position as the main pro-independence force. Catalan police have initiated an operation to locate and arrest Puigdemont, establishing roadblocks across the city. His return coincides with a recent amnesty law that could potentially apply to him, although the Spanish Supreme Court has excluded him from its benefits. This dramatic event could lead to his arrest, serving as a significant political statement against Spanish authorities.