Carles Puigdemont, a symbol of the Catalan independence movement and the exiled former president of the Catalan regional government, was re-elected as the leader of the "Junts per Catalunya Party" in the party election on the 27th, winning more than 90% of the votes, showing that he still has a strong influence in the party. Although the Spanish government still issued a warrant for Puigdemont, accusing him of attempting to split the country, this did not stop him from continuing to promote Catalonia's independence agenda.

Puigdemont reappeared on the stage after leading the failed independence movement in exile

Puigdemont led the Catalonia region to launch an independence referendum in 2017. Although the Spanish Constitutional Court banned the referendum, Puigdemont and his government insisted on voting and subsequently declared a short-lived independence. This move triggered the most serious political crisis in Spain since the death of dictator Franco. To avoid being prosecuted by the Spanish authorities, Puigdemont fled to Belgium. Later, he lived in France, but always maintained his leadership in the Catalan independence movement.

After the setback of the independence movement in Catalonia, Puigdemont's life in exile has become an important way for him to continue to win international support. However, despite the fact that the Spanish government has not revoked the arrest warrant against him, Puigdemont still moves freely across Europe and uses the international stage to speak out for the independence agenda of Catalonia.

Held the helm of the pro-independence party again, calling for tougher action

Puigdemont delivered a victory speech at the party conference via video link, calling on supporters to stop taking a defensive posture and be more proactive in fighting for the freedom of Catalonia. He said: "Let's stop resisting and take the initiative. Long live a free Catalonia." This call reflects his firm commitment to the cause of Catalonia's independence, despite the extremely complex political environment it is facing.

Puigdemont's re-election also shows that despite the fact that the independence movement in Catalonia has not made significant progress in the past few years, he is still a core figure in this movement. His re-election not only means that he will continue to lead the party's line, but may also have an important impact on the future strategy of Catalonia's independence.

Spain's arrest warrant and legal controversy against Puigdemont

Although Puigdemont has successfully regained his position as party leader, he still faces legal pressure from the Spanish judiciary. After the failure of the independence referendum in 2017, the Spanish government issued a warrant for his arrest, accusing him of inciting secession. In May this year, the Spanish Congress passed an amnesty law aimed at providing legal immunity to some people involved in secessionist activities, but on July 1, the Spanish Supreme Court ruled that the law did not apply to Puigdemont. This means that if he returns to Spain, he may still face the risk of arrest and prosecution.

However, Puigdemont ignored the arrest warrant on August 8 this year and bravely returned to Catalonia to give a passionate speech to supporters. Although he was not arrested at the time, this action was undoubtedly a tough gesture to the Spanish government, showing that his commitment to Catalonia's independence has not been weakened by his life in exile.

The future of the Catalan independence movement

Puigdemont's re-election has undoubtedly injected new vitality into the Catalan independence movement, but the challenges facing him and his party are still huge. In recent years, with the tough measures of the Spanish government and the EU's indifferent attitude towards the independence movement, the momentum of the independence movement has weakened. Even so, the division within Catalonia still exists, and voices supporting and opposing independence have been rising and falling.

How the "All for Catalonia Party" under Puigdemont's leadership will continue to promote the independence process remains a complex issue. Puigdemont himself said that Catalonia should no longer just stay at the level of resistance, but should take more active actions to achieve the ultimate goal of independence. However, considering the strong opposition to Catalonia's independence from the Spanish government and the international community, Puigdemont's strategy may face greater pressure.

The issue of Catalan independence on the international stage

Puigdemont's experience in exile has brought more attention to Catalonia's independence issue internationally. In Europe, he has used different opportunities to win sympathy and support for Catalonia, especially in countries such as Belgium and France, where his voice has been widely spread. However, EU member states generally hold a conservative stance on regional independence movements, fearing that similar independence trends will trigger a chain reaction in other parts of Europe.

Despite this, Puigdemont still insists that Catalonia's independence demands are legitimate and an unstoppable historical trend. His international activities are not only to win more support for Catalonia, but also to lay an international foundation for a possible future path of independence.

Conclusion: Catalonia's dream of independence is not extinguished

Puigmont's re-election means that the Catalan independence movement will continue to maintain its vitality despite the heavy resistance from the Spanish government. Whether it is internal political games or international diplomatic challenges, Catalonia's road to independence is destined to be a long and arduous road. However, Puigdemont's persistence and his strong influence in the party show that Catalonia's dream of independence is still alive.

In the next few years, how Puigdemont and his "All for Catalonia Party" find new opportunities and breakthroughs in Spain and the international community will determine the fate of this independence movement. Regardless of the final result, Catalonia's independence demands will continue to leave a strong mark on the European political stage.