Judicial ruling and legal caution

Spain's Constitutional Court ruled by a seven to five majority that the amnesty law covers embezzlement linked to the Catalan independence movement. The decision countered earlier determinations by the Supreme Court's Second Chamber, which had argued that the charges involved personal enrichment and posed financial risks. Five dissenting magistrates stated in their minority opinion that the majority ruling showed a lack of institutional respect toward the Supreme Court. Although the Supreme Court lifted its active arrest warrant against former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, his defense attorney Gonzalo Boye advised him against returning immediately. Boye warned that Puigdemont remains under indictment until the Supreme Court formally archives the case, creating potential legal risks such as a court summons or a renewed detention order.

“I think the situation is fairly clear, but it is not completely clear.”

In favor7

Dissenting5

In favor

7 votes

Dissenting

5 votes

Data from the article text

Logistical preparations in Barcelona

Puigdemont's official office as former regional president transferred operations to a government-owned property on Carrer del Doctor Roux in Barcelona's Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district on 8 October 2026. The office had operated from provisional premises in Palau Centelles within the Gothic quarter since July 2018. According to a statement from the office team, the relocation allows the team to operate with full logistical capacity as preparations for his return progress. The public building was renovated after negotiations between Puigdemont's team and the regional presidency department, avoiding commercial rental costs. Three staff members currently manage the Barcelona office, providing administrative backing for operations based in Waterloo, Belgium.

Security arrangements by regional authorities

The Catalan interior department, led by Núria Parlon, confirmed that the regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, will provide Puigdemont with an official escort service and vehicle once he crosses into Catalonia. Regional officials stated that these protective measures are guaranteed under the statutory rights granted to former Catalan presidents. Previous requests for official security had been denied during Puigdemont's nearly nine years in Belgium, as state security forces were previously required to detain him under the standing warrant. Puigdemont previously avoided arrest during an unannounced, brief appearance in Barcelona on 8 August 2024 with the help of off-duty officers before returning to Belgium. Regional authorities now await formal notification from Puigdemont regarding his planned arrival date so that the protection detail can deploy immediately.

Election maneuvering ahead of November vote

The legal development coincides with the collapse of Spain's parliamentary majority after Junts voted against government housing decrees, prompting an early general election scheduled for 29 November 2026. Puigdemont celebrated the Constitutional Court ruling on 5 October 2026, linking his legal status to his broader political strategy.

“We decided to go into exile to do politics, and we have not stopped until ensuring that the return also carries political meaning.”

Elements within Junts are advocating for Puigdemont to run as a candidate on a shared ticket with parliamentary spokesperson Míriam Nogueras. Party organizers view a high-profile candidacy as a way to rally supporters against political competitors, including ERC candidate Gabriel Rufián and the rising right-wing nationalist group Aliança Catalana. Representatives in Waterloo have declined to confirm any candidacy or specify a return date, stating that actions will depend on the Supreme Court's final procedural closure.