Only a few days remain before the trial of Jordi Pujol and his family. The focus is on the health of the former President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, who is now 95 years old. This Friday, he is expected to be discharged from the Sagrada Familia clinic, where he has been since last weekend due to pneumonia and lung complications.
Discharge from hospital and return home
Pujol’s personal physician, Jaume Padrós, said that unless new complications arise, the patient could return home as early as Friday. This would allow the ex-president to prepare for the medical evaluation ordered by the court on Monday. The results of this assessment will determine whether Pujol can personally attend the trial, which is set to begin in four days.
Doubts about fitness to stand trial
Medical reports submitted by the defense indicate serious health limitations for Pujol. Doctors note that he lacks the capacity for proper argumentation and self-defense required for full participation in the proceedings. Court-appointed forensic experts have reached similar conclusions: the former president cannot adequately answer questions or defend himself in court.
Awaiting the court’s decision and next steps
Despite agreement between the doctors and forensic experts, the court nonetheless ordered an additional medical assessment for Pujol. This decision surprised his attending physician, although he acknowledged that, from a legal standpoint, such a step is understandable. Next Monday, Pujol will undergo another examination, after which the court will make a final decision regarding his participation in the proceedings.
Context: Hidden assets case
As a reminder, Jordi Pujol and his family are under investigation for concealing a significant fortune in Andorra. Last year, the former president suffered a stroke, and his current condition is complicated by age and a recent infection. Last week, by court order, a medical commission visited his home to assess his health, and their findings were forwarded to the court.
The trial promises to become one of the most high-profile in modern Catalonian history. Whether Pujol can personally attend the hearings and testify remains undecided until the final medical evaluation is received.
