# Antoni Comín return to Spain and Catalonia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/antoni-comn-return-to-spain-and-catalonia
> Updated: 2026-10-24T19:45:21.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

Antoni Comín, an elected MEP for Junts, traveled to Madrid to appear before the Central Electoral Board (JEC). This appearance was a legal requirement to swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution, a step necessary to officially access his seat in the European Parliament following the lifting of arrest warrants by Supreme Court magistrate Pablo Llarena under the amnesty law.

Following these legal formalities in Madrid, Comín returned to Catalonia after nine years of living in exile in Belgium. He crossed the border from France on foot via the Coll dels Belitres pass. He was accompanied by several political figures, including Junts spokesperson Josep Rius and Òmnium president Xavier Antich, as well as approximately 200 supporters consisting of family, friends, and political leaders.

During a speech at the Coll de Belitres memorial, Comín described his return as a “collective success” for the independence movement, facilitated by the amnesty law. He noted that his time in exile helped secure legal victories in European courts. While stating that the price of independence is higher than previously thought, he maintained that the cause remains “just, necessary, and possible.” 

Upon his arrival in Catalonia, Comín was received at the Junts party headquarters in Barcelona by leadership figures including Jordi Turull and Miriam Nogueras. His return follows other former officials, such as Lluís Puig, while Carles Puigdemont remains abroad.

## Claims

- Toni Comín returned to Catalonia after nine years of exile in Belgium. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Comín crossed the border on foot at Coll dels Belitres. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Comín traveled to Madrid to swear allegiance to the Constitution to secure his MEP seat. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Spanish Supreme Court lifted arrest warrants against Comín following the amnesty law. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Lluís Puig returned to Catalonia on the preceding Wednesday. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Carles Puigdemont remains in exile and has not set a return date. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Comín stated that independence is 'just, necessary, and possible'. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The return of the exiles is a result of a sustained political and judicial strategy. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Toni Comín returns to Catalonia after nine years in exile

Junts politician Toni Comín has returned to Catalonia after nine years in exile, crossing the French border on foot following the application of the amnesty law.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toni-comn-returns-to-catalonia-after-nine-years-in-exile

### 2026-10-21: Antoni Comín claims European Parliament seat after Madrid appearance

Antoni Comín appeared before Madrid's Central Electoral Board to swear allegiance to the Constitution, a necessary step to officially claim his seat as a Junts MEP following the lifting of arrest warrants.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toni-comn-travels-to-madrid-for-central-electoral-board-appointment

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Cite as: Antoni Comín return to Spain and Catalonia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/antoni-comn-return-to-spain-and-catalonia