Self-exiled Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont is poised to return to Spain after the country's Constitutional Court ruled that an amnesty law applicable to Catalan separatists covers embezzlement charges against him. A Supreme Court judge subsequently lifted a warrant for Puigdemont’s arrest on Tuesday, removing the immediate threat of apprehension upon his return.

Puigdemont, who served as the president of Catalonia, fled to Belgium in 2017 following an independence referendum for the self-governing region, which Madrid deemed illegal. Catalonia unilaterally declared independence from Spain later that year after the referendum, which saw 90 percent of voters in favor of independence. He has since successfully evaded multiple extradition attempts by Spain to face trial for his role in the vote, while numerous allies and supporters were imprisoned.

Members of Puigdemont’s political party, Junts, expressed their approval of his potential return. Jordi Turull, the secretary-general of Junts, stated that the development represents a significant victory for Puigdemont and two other exiled leaders. He emphasized their resilience and success in navigating European legal challenges and ultimately prevailing against the Spanish state.

Puigdemont’s potential return coincides with Spain’s preparations for a snap general election scheduled for November. Despite this, an official from his Junts party indicated that his participation in the election is unlikely. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez secured his position in 2023 with the crucial backing of Puigdemont’s Junts party and another Catalan party, who supported his new government in exchange for amnesty measures.

Last year, Junts withdrew its support for the minority central government, a move that contributed to the progressive government losing two significant parliamentary votes this week on emergency housing measures amidst public protests. In response, Sanchez called the November snap election, aiming to mobilize his voter base by capitalizing on public discontent over housing issues.

Prime Minister Sanchez has stated he does not regret initiating the amnesty law and welcomed the Constitutional Court's ruling, highlighting the importance of coexistence among Catalans. While separatism has seen a decline in support and Junts is currently trailing in opinion polls, Puigdemont’s return could reignite political tensions.

Spain's conservative People's Party is currently leading in pre-election opinion polls and may require the support of Junts and other center-right parties to form a government. This political landscape adds another layer of complexity to the implications of Puigdemont’s return.

This development follows previous legal actions, including a request for Puigdemont’s extradition from Finland and Spain’s subsequent withdrawal of another extradition request. The lifting of the arrest warrant marks a significant shift in the legal status of the Catalan leader.