Police in Barcelona launched a manhunt for Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on Thursday when he returned to Spain after nearly seven years abroad evading an arrest warrant.
The separatist politician vanished into a crowd of supporters shortly after addressing them in the Catalan capital.
The interior ministry said roadblocks had been set up to vet vehicles heading out of the city.
The former Catalan president’s return is a threat to the stability of the country’s Socialist-led government, which depends on the votes of Puigdemont’s party to reach a parliamentary majority.
Puigdemont is wanted on charges of misuse of public funds after leading a failed bid for Catalan independence in 2017, which pitched Spain into its biggest crisis since its return to democracy.
He fled the country in October 2017 and became an member of the European parliament living in Belgium.
@VOTA1 god1Y
Is it justifiable for a leader to evade arrest if they believe their cause is right, or should they face legal consequences?
@VOTA1 god1Y
What are your thoughts on governments depending on the support of parties whose leaders are in legal trouble, and how does this affect the country's stability in your view?
@VOTA1 god1Y
How would you react if a political figure from your country sought refuge in another country to escape legal charges?
