The fate of Carles Puigdemont and his associates has once again become a focal point in Spanish society. Spain’s Constitutional Court has issued a decision that could be decisive not only for those directly involved but also for the country’s entire political system. The court refused to lift the existing arrest warrant for the former head of the Generalitat of Catalonia and his two former ministers, despite their attempts to take advantage of the recently adopted amnesty law. This decision directly affects not only supporters of independence but also everyone following the developments of the Catalan issue.
The Constitutional Court judges considered the appeals of Puigdemont, Antoni Comín, and Lluís Puig, each processed in a separate judicial act. In every case, the court took the same position: there are no grounds for lifting the arrest warrant, which has been in effect for nearly eight years. Moreover, the judges emphasized that prematurely revoking this measure could influence the final decision on the merits of the case, which is inadmissible at this stage.
Parties’ arguments
Last summer, Puigdemont and his colleagues appealed to the Constitutional Court after the Supreme Court of Spain refused to apply the amnesty law to charges of embezzlement of public funds. The Supreme Court judges concluded that some of the funds spent on promoting independence were used not only for public purposes but also for the personal interests of the movement’s leaders. In their view, this constituted personal enrichment, which the amnesty law does not cover.
The lawyers for Puigdemont, Comín, and Pujol insisted that, pending a final decision on their appeals, the arrest warrant against them should be suspended. They argued that the Constitutional Court had already approved the wording of the amnesty law and requested a temporary measure in their favor. However, the judges found no grounds to grant this request, citing the need to await a final ruling on the merits of the case.
Parallels with other cases
Interestingly, similar requests were previously made by other prominent figures in the Catalan movement — Oriol Junqueras, Raül Romeva, Dolors Bassa, and Jordi Turull. All of them were convicted of embezzlement and also asked for their sentences to be suspended pending consideration of their appeals. In these cases as well, the Constitutional Court took a tough stance, rejecting the motions and maintaining restrictions until the final verdict.
Thus, a consistent judicial practice is emerging, whereby any attempts to secure temporary relief from preventive measures in cases related to the Catalan process are firmly rejected by the higher courts. This creates a certain legal uncertainty for all parties involved and highlights the complexity surrounding the application of the amnesty law.
Impact on the political landscape
The Constitutional Court’s decision has already sparked strong reactions among politicians and experts. Some believe the court demonstrated integrity and did not yield to pressure from pro-independence supporters. Others point out that this stance may lead to further escalation of the conflict between Madrid and Barcelona, as well as complicate dialogue between the central government and Catalan politicians.
At the same time, the ongoing arrest warrant for Puigdemont and his associates effectively prevents their return to Spain and participation in the country’s political life. This circumstance could become a key factor in upcoming negotiations and political bargaining, especially against the backdrop of ongoing debates about Catalonia’s future and prospects for reconciliation.
What’s next
Until the Constitutional Court delivers its final decision on the complaints of Puigdemont, Comín, and Ponsatí, their status will remain unresolved. The arrest warrant will remain in force, and any attempts to change the situation will face resistance from the judicial system. The question of whether the amnesty law applies to the leaders of the Catalan movement remains open and continues to stir public debate.
In the coming months, attention to this case is likely to intensify. Every new move by the court or politicians could have unexpected consequences, and the outcome may shift the balance of power not only in Catalonia but throughout Spain.
