Marta Rovira, the secretary general of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), has returned to Catalonia after more than six years in exile in Switzerland.

Rovira crossed the French-Spanish border on Friday morning, following the dismissal of the Tsunami Democràtic case by Spain's National Court.

She was greeted by ERC's former president, Oriol Junqueras, and other pro-independence leaders in Cantallops, near the border.

Rovira's return is seen as a victory for the independence movement and a potential catalyst for unity within ERC, which has been facing internal crises.

Her homecoming coincides with crucial party meetings to address recent controversies and determine future leadership.