Overview

• Puigdemont fled Spain after a public appearance in Barcelona, evading a large police operation.
• Two Catalan police officers were arrested for allegedly aiding in his escape.
• The former Catalan president has been living in self-imposed exile in Belgium since 2017.
• Spanish and Catalan authorities are engaged in a blame game over the failed arrest.
• The incident has reignited debates over Catalan independence and political stability in Spain.