A fugitive Catalan separatist may hold the key to Spain’s government after an inconclusive election

By JOSEPH WILSON and DAVID BRUNAT
Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Nearly six years ago, the leader of Catalonia’s failed secession bid slipped secretly across the Spanish border to escape arrest and start a life as a self-styled political exile. Now, Carles Puigdemont, who has eluded repeated extradition attempts by Spanish justice, has the future of Spain’s government in his hands. After an inconclusive national election, the seven seats won by Puigdemont’s Junts party could ensure that acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez remains in power in Madrid. But Puigdemont is wanted by Spain for his role in Catalonia’s 2017 bid for independence. His party is demanding an independence referendum and amnesty for Puigdemont and hundreds more. It’s possible that Sánchez could consider another election more palatable than compromising with a fugitive.