Carles Puigdemont Escapes Arrest Amid Political Tensions in Catalonia: A New Era Begins

While Barcelona and Catalonia are under strict controls, former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont managed to evade police efforts to arrest him after making a brief appearance in the city. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Mossos, Catalonia's police force, and their ability to enforce the law amid political tensions surrounding Catalan independence. Puigdemont, who has spent seven years in exile, returned to Barcelona for a rally just as the Catalan Parliament was set to elect a new president. His sudden reappearance and subsequent escape have prompted a manhunt and calls for accountability from Spanish authorities, particularly Judge Pablo Llarena, who issued the arrest warrant against him. The political landscape in Catalonia is shifting, with the election of socialist Salvador Illa as the new president coinciding with Puigdemont's rally, highlighting the ongoing struggle for Catalan independence and the complexities of regional politics.