Video: @carlespuigdemont / IG

Puigdemont Keeps Political Future Open

Carles Puigdemont, leader of the Junts party and former president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, has stated he does not rule out running in future elections, though he remains uncertain about his exact role in the independence movement. In an interview with El Punt Avui, Puigdemont said: "Perhaps I will demonstrate again at the Fossar, perhaps I will write books, perhaps I will run for elections, or perhaps I will be the mayor of Amer. I don't know." He stressed he cannot imagine himself detached from Catalonia's independence process, which he described as ongoing and unfinished.

Unilateral Action Still on the Table

Puigdemont defended the possibility of future unilateral actions, arguing that the independence movement cannot renounce such measures. He compared the situation to Kosovo's path to statehood, saying such steps must only follow after all peaceful and democratic avenues have been exhausted. "We have no right to renounce it," he said, adding that any future unilateral move would require sufficient parliamentary legitimacy and unity of action, which he acknowledged are currently lacking. He claimed the 2017 independence process, including the 1 October referendum and the subsequent declaration of independence (DUI), did achieve independence in principle, but that it "hasn't been applied."

What happened is that it hasn't been applied.

October 2017 Suspension Regretted

Reflecting on 10 October 2017, when he suspended the implementation of the DUI to seek dialogue with the Spanish government, Puigdemont said he would act differently today. He now believes the offer of dialogue was a "trap" designed to break momentum, as he claims Madrid never intended to negotiate in good faith.

Amnesty Law and Ongoing Repression

Puigdemont described the recent Amnesty Law as a victory for the independence movement, noting that if it were not, Spanish institutions would not be reacting with such anger. However, he cautioned that repression has not yet ended. "I am taking all precautions until the death certificate of repression is issued," he said, adding that the amnesty is still being applied "to the last mile." He also highlighted efforts to raise European awareness about Catalonia's situation, stating that there was once an "enormous" knowledge deficit in Europe that he has worked to correct.

This stance follows a 5 February 2026 judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-572/23 P, which annulled the European Parliament's decisions to waive the parliamentary immunity of Puigdemont, Antoni Comín and Clara Ponsatí. The court ruled that the appointment of the rapporteur had breached impartiality requirements. Separately, on 24 May 2022, the Vice-President of the Court issued an order in Appeal C-629/21 P(R) concerning the suspension of those immunity waiver decisions, underscoring the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the case.

Sources: svc_wsgendoc.