Carles Puigdemont is once again at the center of Spanish politics. His lawyers have filed a motion for the immediate cancellation of the arrest warrant that still remains in effect in Spain. However, despite the high-profile announcement, this move is unlikely to bring instant results. The Constitutional Court is taking its time, carefully analyzing all aspects of the case.
The new appeal is based on a recent report from the Advocate General of the European Court, which allows for the possibility of amnesty for events connected to the Catalan process. Puigdemont’s defense also refers to previous arguments submitted last summer, when a lawsuit was filed over alleged violations of fundamental rights. At that time, the Supreme Court refused to apply the amnesty to the embezzlement charges, considering that the actions of the movement’s leaders involved personal enrichment at the expense of public funds.
Back then, the defense demanded an urgent measure—immediate removal of the arrest warrant without consulting the other parties to the process. The court did not approve such urgency but opened a separate proceeding to consider a temporary suspension of the warrant, this time taking into account the positions of all parties. That process is still ongoing: the prosecution has already argued against granting Puigdemont’s request, while the other participants are still preparing their opinions.
Judicial pause and anticipation of a verdict
At the same time, the Constitutional Court has begun examining the main lawsuit concerning the possible violation of the rights of Puigdemont and other participants in the Catalan events. A final decision on this matter is expected in the first quarter of next year. Only then will it become clear whether politicians’ rights were infringed when they were denied amnesty on embezzlement charges.
The judges are not rushing to conclusions and, by all appearances, intend to strictly follow legal procedure. They want to avoid hasty decisions that could lead to legal errors. The whole case is turning into a drawn-out chess match, with each side waiting and calculating their moves.
Legal battle drags on
For now, the Constitutional Court is not yielding to political pressure and remains independent in its rulings. Puigdemont and his supporters are hoping for a favorable outcome, but for now, all they can do is wait. In the coming months, it will become clear whether the arrest warrant will be lifted and whether the former head of Catalonia will get a chance to return to Spain without the risk of being detained.
