Salvador Illa Elected President of Catalonia Amid Puigdemont’s Controversial Appearance

Salvador Illa has been elected President of the Government of Catalonia, receiving 68 votes in favor against 66 in the Catalan Parliament. His election was possible after securing a controversial deal with Catalan independentist parties..Spanish President Pedro Sánchez tweeted in Catalan to congratulate his regional affiliate..Illa's election coincided with Carles Puigdemont's brief return to Barcelona. The former President of Catalonia, who declared the region's independence following a controversial referendum in 2017 before fleeing to Belgium, made a public appearance and delivered a speech near the Catalan Parliament despite an active arrest warrant against him for sedition and rebellion. He then evaded capture, indicating that he returned to Waterloo, Belgium..In his speech, Puigdemont criticized the failure to apply the amnesty law, which is intended to absolve individuals involved in the independence referendum, including politicians, activists, and public servants facing charges like sedition, rebellion, and misuse of public funds. He described a recent Interior Ministry press conference as disgraceful and denounced a "witch hunt" against his associates.Spanish Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena has demanded explanations from the Barcelona police regarding how Carles Puigdemont managed to enter and evade Spain, amid suspicions of police collusion to facilitate Puigdemont's escape.