Will Puigdemont have ‘immunity’ to return if elected in European Parliament?

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont has pledged he’ll return to the country from his exile in Belgium if he wins a seat in the upcoming European Parliament election. Accused of rebellion for attempting to achieve independence in 2017, he claims Spanish authorities won’t be able to arrest him because he’ll enjoy “parliamentary immunity.” Yet, whether he’ll be able to deliver on his promise will largely depend on Spanish and European institutions.

Spain, not the EU, has the last say

The European Parliament election will be held between May 23 and 26. The EU provides a framework clarifying the logistics of the vote, but the ultimate authority lays on each member state and its own electoral law.