Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and two other Catalan separatists have once again regained parliamentary immunity following a ruling by the European Court of Justice. The court criticized the European Parliament for potential bias and procedural shortcomings in its earlier decision to lift their immunity. As a result, Puigdemont remains protected from legal action by Spanish authorities while continuing his work as a Member of the European Parliament.
The ruling has reignited political tensions in Spain. Supporters of Catalan independence view the decision as a victory for democratic rights and political pluralism, while critics accuse European institutions of interfering in national judicial matters. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez now faces renewed pressure as he seeks to balance domestic political stability with Spain’s commitments to the European Union.
Legal analysts emphasize that parliamentary immunity is designed to safeguard elected representatives from politically motivated prosecution. However, the Puigdemont case also raises broader questions about the limits of this protection and its impact on national sovereignty. The EU court’s decision may set an important precedent for future cases involving politically sensitive prosecutions.
For Puigdemont, the ruling ensures continuity in his political career at the European level. Meanwhile, the unresolved legal and political conflict between Madrid and the Catalan independence movement continues to shape Spain’s internal and European debates.
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