Puigdemont reaffirms his struggle for independence in new video from Waterloo.

The former president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, has once again captured public attention following the release of a video in which he justifies his recent return to "Waterloo," where he is in exile in Belgium. In an eight-minute message, Puigdemont emphasizes that the Catalan independence process, known as the 'procés,' has not ended, despite political changes in the region. The setting of the video, which includes a white wall and the Catalan and European flags, recalls his previous public appearances, creating strong symbolism in his speech. Puigdemont recounts that, although his intention upon returning to Catalonia was to participate in the investiture session of Salvador Illa, the police forces were prepared to prevent his access to the Parliament. According to the former president, there was an operation organized by the Department of Interior that would have guaranteed his detention, prompting him to prioritize his safety and avoid a situation he considered a voluntary surrender to Spanish justice. The exiled leader has made it clear that he does not intend to surrender to what he describes as an incompetent judicial authority, which, according to him, acts not out of a desire to deliver justice but from a political agenda. This argument underscores his narrative that his struggle for self-determination is framed within a democratic and legitimate context. Furthermore, he points out that his return had a broader objective: "to internationally denounce a Spanish state that does not behave democratically," referring to what he considers a mockery of the laws approved by Congress. Puigdemont does not hide his discontent with the current Catalan Government, which, in his view, has collaborated with a judicial strategy that represses independence supporters. The strength of his criticism is reflected in his description of the current situation as a "fierce repression" that targets those who defend the right to self-determination. In this context, he expresses solidarity with all those who have suffered the consequences of this repression, including those who faced police charges during his brief return. His message comes at a crucial moment, just after Illa's election as the new president of the Generalitat, supported by a coalition that includes the PSC, ERC, and Comuns. Despite this change in government, Puigdemont maintains that the 'procés' continues. "The independence process ends with independence," he emphasizes, marking a clear distinction between phases of the movement and suggesting a new stage that, although more complicated, should not be abandoned. The former president acknowledges the difficulties presented by the new "tripartite alliance" in the Catalan Government, but calls for persistence and not to give up the fight for independence. "We cannot afford to let it go," he asserts, urging his supporters to act boldly and take risks in this new phase of the 'procés.' The video and Puigdemont's statements not only reinforce his leadership among independence supporters but also revive the debate about the future of the movement in a changing political context. The response of the new Government and the reaction of Catalan society will be key elements in determining how this new phase of the 'procés' will unfold. In conclusion, Puigdemont's figure remains a reference in Catalan politics, and his message resonates with those who still harbor hopes of independence. His resistance to the Spanish judicial system and his conviction that the struggle must continue present a complex scenario in which dialogue, strategy, and social mobilization will play fundamental roles in the coming months. The history of the 'procés' is far from concluding, and Puigdemont's return to the public sphere is a reminder that the political and social challenges in Catalonia remain present and are evolving.