Leaders in the dark over return timeline
Tensions are rising within Junts as senior party figures remain uninformed about the exact timing, manner, or political intentions surrounding leader Carles Puigdemont's return to Spain. Despite the European Union's Court of Justice ruling in July paving the way for amnesty applications this autumn, Puigdemont has not communicated his plans to the party's core leadership. The political landscape shifted significantly with the Constitutional Court's upcoming 6 October ruling, which is expected to confirm the application of amnesty to the crime of embezzlement in the independence process. According to RTVE, the Constitutional Court has already rejected a conservative magistrate’s proposal to limit amnesty, setting the stage for a 6 October plenary decision that would effectively clear the way for Puigdemont’s return.
The climate of unease grows week by week. We are ready, but we don’t know exactly what for, and that unsettles us.
Internally, Junts leaders confirm that Puigdemont plans a tour across Catalonia upon his return to assess how the region has changed since his 2017 flight to Belgium. It is during this period, sources say, that he will decide his future political role. However, this uncertainty is causing growing anxiety, especially with a politically charged October ahead.
Parliamentary and strategic implications
Puigdemont’s return could reshape Junts’ parliamentary strategy. The party leadership has conveyed a strong desire for him to resume his seat as opposition leader, hoping his presence will boost flagging poll numbers and counter the rise of Aliança Catalana. However, it remains unclear whether he will take a more active role or step back. In Madrid, the stakes are high. Junts’ seven parliamentary votes are crucial for passing the new financing model and the national budget. While the party insists on negotiating an economic agreement, the government hopes to find a middle ground. However, with talks between Junts and the PSOE frozen for a year, Míriam Nogueras’ parliamentary group has led recent contacts, reportedly drawing closer over housing legislation.
Internal reorganisation and succession questions
At the Catalan Parliament, uncertainty looms over potential group restructuring. Albert Batet stepped down in September 2025, making way for Mònica Sales and Salvador Vergés as spokespersons. Puigdemont’s return raises questions about whether one of them might be displaced. If he chooses not to take up his parliamentary seat, the position would pass to David Torrents, currently next on the list. This also raises broader concerns about leadership continuity, particularly as Sales, despite consolidating her role, has yet to win full internal consensus. The question of whether Puigdemont will run in the next Catalan elections, less than two years away, remains open. A decision not to run would leave little time to groom a competitive successor.
Speculation grows over possible retirement
The most disruptive scenario under discussion, though not ruled out, is Puigdemont’s full retirement. This could leave Junts deeply divided, with weakened leadership figures like Jordi Turull facing a party congress shortly before May’s municipal elections and potentially earlier general elections. Former Convergence figures are reportedly poised to attempt a comeback if a leadership vacuum emerges. With the Constitutional Court’s final decision due on 6 October, Junts insiders stress the need for clarity. As one source put it, the truce lasts only until Puigdemont returns, something that could happen within weeks.
Reported by rtve.es, naciodigital.cat, elpais.com, larazon.es, TRIBUNAL CONSTITUCIONAL, cronicaglobal.cat.
