Puigdemont Disappears to Belgium

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, currently under a national arrest warrant, is reportedly back in Belgium following a controversial visit to Barcelona. Catalan police chief Eduard Sallent stated there is "no objective proof" confirming Puigdemont's whereabouts, despite claims from Jordi Turull, secretary general of Puigdemont's party, that he had successfully evaded capture after a political rally. The situation has ignited criticism from conservative media and right-wing parties, who label the police's failure to apprehend Puigdemont as a "disgrace." The Spanish Supreme Court recently denied Puigdemont amnesty for misappropriation of public funds related to the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, further complicating his legal standing. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has called for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to address the parliament regarding the police's handling of the situation, demanding the dismissal of key ministers for their perceived negligence. VOX leader Santiago Abascal echoed these sentiments, calling for Sánchez's resignation and labeling the government as "accomplices" in Puigdemont's escape. Reports indicate that Puigdemont's escape involved assistance from within the Catalan police, reminiscent of his 2017 flight from authorities. The police had planned to arrest him during his public appearance but failed to act in time. Following his disappearance, a manhunt was initiated, leading to the arrest of two officers suspected of aiding his escape. The police union has condemned the incident as a significant failure of duty, prompting calls for accountability within the Mossos d'Esquadra. As the situation unfolds, Puigdemont's future remains uncertain, with questions surrounding his ability to remain in hiding and the implications for Catalonia's political landscape.