Legal status of Carles Puigdemont and Catalan amnesty

Carles Puigdemont remains in exile nine years after his election as president of Catalonia. Although he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament, he has been unable to return to the region. While amnesty and pardons have mitigated some legal repression, judicial authorities continue to resist the application of amnesty laws, particularly regarding interpretations of embezzlement.

Following an endorsement of the amnesty law by the Court of Justice of the European Union, the president of Spain’s Constitutional Court, Cándido Conde-Pumpido, indicated that a ruling on Puigdemont’s appeal could be resolved by the end of the year. Deliberations are scheduled to begin on September 22, starting with appeals from Junts Secretary General Jordi Turull and others, such as ERC leader Oriol Junqueras, before addressing individuals facing rebellion charges, including Puigdemont.

Conde-Pumpido noted that once the Constitutional Court establishes a binding interpretation of the law, the Supreme Court may be able to apply it directly. If the Supreme Court fails to implement the law despite a favorable doctrine, the Constitutional Court will be required to issue individual rulings on each case.

Amidst this legal uncertainty, Puigdemont has maintained a low public profile. Members of the Junts party stated the former president is avoiding significant political movements until his legal status is resolved. This period of silence coincides with challenging electoral prospects for Junts, as recent polling suggests the party could see a significant decrease in parliamentary seats and faces pressure from the rise of Aliança Catalana.