Carles Puigdemont is planning a symbolic return to Catalonia. Judicial delays complicate his preferred dates. Junts insists preparations are ready, but the final timing depends on court rulings.
Carles Puigdemont’s anticipated return to Catalonia is now at the center of political tension, as judicial schedules threaten to derail his plans for a highly symbolic comeback. The former president of the Generalitat, who has been living in Belgium since 2017, aims to re-enter Spain on a date loaded with meaning for the independence movement. However, the timing remains uncertain due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Sources close to Puigdemont confirm that both he and Junts per Catalunya have prepared for his return, targeting either September 11 or October 1—dates that resonate strongly with Catalan independence supporters. Yet, the Constitutional Court is not expected to deliberate on the first appeals regarding the amnesty law until September 22. This delay makes it unlikely that Puigdemont can align his return with these key anniversaries this year.
Despite the legal obstacles, Junts officials maintain that the political and logistical groundwork is in place. They emphasize that the final decision on the date and manner of Puigdemont’s return will rest solely with him. According to party insiders, the intention is to stage a mass event that revives the spirit of the independence movement, rather than a low-profile political comeback. The focus is on mobilizing supporters and demonstrating that Puigdemont’s influence remains intact.
Within Puigdemont’s inner circle, there is a strong sense of caution. The former president reportedly harbors deep mistrust toward the Supreme Court and has expressed frustration over premature speculation about his return. Only a small group of confidants, including Josep Rius, Míriam Nogueras, Gonzalo Boye, and Toni Castellà, are involved in the planning, and all decisions are kept strictly confidential.
While the specifics of Puigdemont’s activities upon his return are still under discussion, most sources agree he is unlikely to take up a seat in the Catalan Parliament as opposition leader. Instead, he is expected to focus on rallies, public appearances, and travel, using his return as a test of his leadership and ability to energize the independence movement. The current political landscape is more fragmented than in previous years, with strained relations between Junts, ERC, and CUP, and little interest in alliances with more radical groups.
Preparations for a dramatic return have been considered before. In July 2024, Puigdemont and his team reportedly explored the possibility of making a surprise appearance in Barcelona during Salvador Illa’s investiture as president. Despite an active arrest warrant, the plan involved delivering a public speech and then deciding on next steps in real time. Ultimately, the risks were deemed too high, and the operation was abandoned. The episode highlighted the ongoing challenges and divisions within the independence movement, as well as the personal risks Puigdemont faces.
According to El País, Puigdemont has been waiting for a ruling from the European Court of Justice before making any definitive moves. His goal is to return without fear of arrest and to ensure that the event carries significant symbolic weight. The outcome of the Constitutional Court’s deliberations will be decisive in determining when and how Puigdemont can safely return to Catalonia.
For context, Carles Puigdemont fled Spain following the 2017 independence referendum and subsequent legal actions against Catalan leaders. The amnesty law, passed in 2024, was intended to clear legal obstacles for those involved in the independence process, but its implementation has faced judicial resistance. The dates Puigdemont is considering—September 11 (Catalonia’s National Day) and October 1 (anniversary of the 2017 referendum)—are deeply significant for the independence movement. The situation remains fluid, with political and legal factors continuing to shape the timeline and nature of Puigdemont’s return.
