Catalan Leader Puigdemont's Dramatic Return and Disappearance

Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan separatist leader, defied an arrest warrant to appear at a rally in Barcelona after seven years in exile. His speech reignited enthusiasm for Catalan independence. Puigdemont then vanished, leading to a frantic police search. His return risks jeopardizing Spain's government alliance.

Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan separatist leader, defied an arrest warrant to make a public appearance in Barcelona after seven years in self-imposed exile. His return has rekindled enthusiasm for the Catalan independence movement, which has waned in recent years.

Speaking to a crowd of thousands, Puigdemont announced his aim to revive the independence drive that led to Spain's political crisis in 2017. He vanished soon after his speech, prompting a police search throughout Barcelona and nearby areas.

Puigdemont faces charges of alleged embezzlement, which he denies. His return could affect Spain's national government, which relies on his Junts party for legislative support.

(With inputs from agencies.)