Catalan Leader Puigdemont Returns from Exile Amid Political Tensions

Former Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont returned to Barcelona, defying an arrest warrant after seven years of exile. His appearance aims to revive the independence movement. Puigdemont addressed supporters and condemned the ongoing legal issues as a 'democratic anomaly.' His return complicates the regional and national political landscape.

Former Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont made a dramatic return to Barcelona on Thursday, defying an outstanding arrest warrant after seven years in self-imposed exile.

Addressing thousands of supporters near the regional parliament, Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium post a failed secession bid, reiterated his commitment to the independence cause and denounced his potential detention as a 'democratic anomaly.'

His return has raised tensions, potentially delaying the formation of a new Socialist-led Catalan government and impacting Spain's national political alliances, especially with Junts.