Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan president, has resurfaced in Waterloo, Belgium, two days after his dramatic escape from Spanish authorities.

In a defiant statement, Puigdemont declared his ability to "enter and exit" Spain despite a national arrest warrant.

He criticized the Spanish state as repressive and called for international condemnation of its actions.

Puigdemont's reappearance coincides with the inauguration of Salvador Illa as the new president of Catalonia, highlighting ongoing tensions between Catalan separatists and the Spanish government.

The former president's escape and subsequent statements have reignited discussions about Catalonia's independence movement, with Puigdemont urging his supporters to enter a new phase of resistance.

Meanwhile, Spanish authorities, including the Supreme Court, are considering reactivating a European arrest warrant to bring Puigdemont to justice.

The situation underscores the persistent political and judicial challenges surrounding Catalonia's push for independence.