Arrest Warrants Lifted After Nearly a Decade Abroad
Lluís Puig and Toni Comín have resumed their political activity in Catalonia following nearly a decade spent abroad after the 2017 independence referendum, as the region's political environment stabilizes. Both politicians participated in a Junts executive meeting in Barcelona, following their separate returns that ended nine years in exile.
The returns follow an order by Supreme Court magistrate Pablo Llarena to annul outstanding arrest warrants against several pro-independence leaders, including Puig, Comín, and Carles Puigdemont, within the framework of the amnesty law. Puig became the first of the trio to return, arriving in his hometown of Terrassa before resuming his parliamentary duties.
An Institutional Welcome and a Long Ovation at the Parliament
On Thursday, Puig returned to the Parliament of Catalonia, where he was greeted with a long ovation and institutional honors led by chamber president Josep Rull. Numerous pro-independence leaders attended the reception, including former vice president Oriol Junqueras and former ministers Quim Forn, Meritxell Borràs, and Carles Mundó.
Private Meetings and a Seat Reclaimed Inside the Chamber
Catalan President Salvador Illa did not attend the parliamentary reception, though his office noted that he had previously held a private meeting with Puig and celebrated his return to full political rights. Inside the chamber, Puig took his seat—previously marked by a yellow ribbon symbolizing his absence—and delivered an emotional speech reaffirming his commitment to independence and noting the legal battles fought in European courts.
Crossing the Border on Foot from France to Portbou
Toni Comín ended his exile on Sunday by crossing the border on foot from France into Catalonia via the Col dels Belitres at Portbou, accompanied by family, friends, and supporters in a symbolic walk recalling the 1939 republican exile. Prior to his arrival in Catalonia, Comín traveled to Madrid to swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution and secure his seat as a member of the European Parliament, which will allow him to resume his legislative work in Brussels.
Campaign Outreach and the Delayed Return of Puigdemont
Unlike Puig and Comín, former regional president Carles Puigdemont has opted to delay his physical return to Catalonia until after the upcoming general elections scheduled for November 29. Meanwhile, Junts candidate Miriam Nogueras continues her campaign outreach, holding a press conference at the party headquarters in Barcelona to outline the political road ahead.
More on Lluís Puig
Keep reading
