Puigdemont rules out serving as head of the opposition in Parliament and prepares his return: "They must sign the surrender"

Carles Puigdemont, leader of the Junts party and former president of Catalonia’s regional government, has indicated he may step down from leading the opposition in the Catalan Parliament once he returns to Spain after nearly nine years in exile. In a recent interview with La2 Cat, Puigdemont suggested he might resign from his parliamentary seat, which he won in 2024, upon his return. He stated that someone who has served as president of the Generalitat should not go on to oversee the current president, regardless of who that individual may be. Puigdemont emphasized during the interview that he has been preparing for his return to Catalonia, acknowledging that the situation has reached an irreversible point following the Constitutional Court's approval of the amnesty law. He noted that those involved will eventually have to accept this outcome. He added that he had spent considerable time planning his exile, and now he is focusing on preparing for his return. The former president described his initial nights in Belgium after fleeing in 2017, explaining that he did not intend to hide or remain unnoticed. Instead, he chose to settle in Europe’s heart, aware that he risked extradition. He believed his role was to raise international awareness of the conflict between Catalonia and Spain and seek political solutions. Puigdemont mentioned that he had considered staying in Belgium permanently if necessary, but his primary goal remained to protect the institution of the presidency. He denied being hidden in the trunk of a car during his escape, stating instead that he left Girona dressed in a suit and tie, traveling in a car with two people. Images were taken to prove this account. When he returned to Catalonia in August 2024, he again traveled in a car, avoiding detention by taking an alternate route through Badalona and the Maresme region. Before Junts became crucial to the 2023 general election results, Puigdemont recounted receiving discreet visits from a Socialist Party politician who offered him terms similar to pardons. However, Puigdemont rejected these offers, insisting that only an amnesty would satisfy his conditions. The Socialist representative initially dismissed the possibility of an amnesty but changed his stance when Junts votes became pivotal for Pedro Sánchez’s investiture. Puigdemont criticized the Spanish judiciary for not applying the amnesty law to his case, warning that new legal maneuvers could still hinder his return. He acknowledged that he is beginning to seriously consider returning to Catalonia, noting that his team has already moved offices, preparing for his eventual return to Barcelona. Puigdemont expressed frustration over the personal toll of ongoing investigations against him while in exile. He claimed he has never been convicted but faced difficulties due to his inclusion in lists linked to terrorism and money laundering. He protested being treated as a terrorist despite denying such accusations. For example, he had to appear before a French police station specializing in terrorism after a Spanish judge allegedly accused him of heading a criminal organization associated with Tsunami Democràtic. Regarding his brief public appearance in Barcelona on August 8, 2024, Puigdemont explained that his initial plan was to enter the Parliament and deliver a message, even if it meant being arrested afterward. However, fearing interception by the Mossos d’Esquadra, he opted for an alternative route, ensuring he could avoid detention. Puigdemont confirmed he will not assume the role of opposition leader in the Parliament upon his return, emphasizing that it would be inappropriate for someone who has previously held the presidency to oversee its successor. His party has highlighted that no one has occupied the position since his departure, underscoring the lack of a suitable candidate during his absence. Puigdemont expressed a desire to personally experience the current state of Catalonia, acknowledging that much has changed since he left in 2017. He noted differences in politics, technology, and migration patterns, indicating a need to understand the evolving landscape firsthand. He stressed the importance of engaging directly with new generations to grasp the present reality of Catalonia.