Spanish Court's Amnesty Ruling: Puigdemont's Return Uncertain

Spain's Constitutional Court Delivers Preliminary Ruling on Amnesty Law: Puigdemont's Fate Uncertain Madrid, Spain – June 2nd, 2025 – The Spanish Constitutional Court released a draft ruling on the recently passed Amnesty Law, sparking immediate reactions across the political spectrum. The court's proposal validates the core elements of the law, confirming its compliance with the Spanish Constitution. However, a crucial exclusion has emerged: the draft explicitly excludes crimes of malversation from the amnesty's scope. This exclusion directly impacts Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan president. The Amnesty Law was intended to pave the way for the return of exiled Catalan separatists, but this specific exclusion leaves his legal situation uncertain. The court's decision is based on the principle that the Amnesty Law does not violate the constitution, as it does not encompass crimes explicitly prohibited by the Carta Magna. The court also rejected attempts to assess the law's intent, focusing solely on its legal compliance. "The Constitutional Court's decision is a significant development in the ongoing political situation in Spain," commented political analyst Maria Sanchez. "While the ruling validates the Amnesty Law, the exclusion of malversation crimes creates a complex and potentially divisive scenario." The exclusion has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the Amnesty Law acknowledge the court's decision, while critics argue the exclusion undermines the law's intended purpose. The final ruling from the Constitutional Court is eagerly awaited, as it will determine the future trajectory of the Spanish political landscape and the fate of those affected by the Amnesty Law.