Carles Puigdemont i Casamajó (born 29 December 1962) is a Catalan politician and former journalist who rose to prominence as a leader of the Catalan independence movement. He served as President of the Generalitat of Catalonia from January 2016 until October 2017. Puigdemont was associated with the long-established Democratic Convergence of Catalonia; the party is often referred to by its Catalan initials CDC.
Early life and career
Puigdemont began his professional life in media and cultural organisations, working as a journalist and editor. He later entered elected office at the local level, becoming mayor of Girona and gaining recognition for his municipal leadership. His background in communications and regional politics provided a platform for national visibility.
President of Catalonia and the 2017 referendum
As regional president he presided over a polarising period that culminated in an independence referendum held in October 2017. The Catalan government declared unilateral independence following the vote, an act that provoked a constitutional crisis with the Spanish government. The events led to the removal of the Catalan executive by Madrid and significant political and legal consequences for many of the movement's leaders.
Exile and later political activity
Following the 2017 crisis, Puigdemont left Spain and went to Belgium; Spanish authorities brought criminal charges against him that included accusations related to the organisation of the referendum. While in exile he continued to participate in Catalan politics, stood in European elections and his legal status and parliamentary immunity were matters of debate across jurisdictions.
Positions and legacy
Puigdemont is best known for advancing Catalan self-determination and for a confrontational approach to negotiations with the Spanish state. Supporters view him as a democratic advocate for regional rights; critics argue his tactics intensified political division. His career illustrates the tensions between regional nationalism and constitutional order in contemporary Spain.