Carles Puigdemont

Police launched a manhunt in Barcelona on Thursday for the campaigner for Catalan independence, who made a sensational return to Catalonia — and a getaway after a speech in the city.

The divisive trial could end with prison sentences of up to 25 years for some of the defendants charged for their roles in Catalonia's 2017 failed independence bid.

Quim Torra, a Catalan separatist, is the new head of the restive region in Spain. For months, Catalonia and Madrid have faced off over Catalonia's bid for independence.

After living for five months in self-exile, Carles Puigdemont could now be extradited to Spain where he faces up to 30 years in prison on rebellion charges.

The ousted leader said his party instead would nominate fellow separatist Jordi Sanchez for the job — but Sanchez currently is being held in a Spanish prison on sedition charges.

Smartphone game apps "help us survive the sad, difficult, demoralizing reality of politics," says a Catalan illustrator who helped create a version of Donkey Kong making fun of Catalonia's crisis.

Spain had rescinded its European arrest warrant when it became clear Belgian authorities would not cooperate. As a court considered a new warrant, Carles Puigdemont was proposed as Catalonia's leader.

Fugitive former leader Carles Puigdemont says he'd likely govern from abroad if he's re-elected. He says he would do so remotely by a video link; a stand-in could read his speeches in parliament.

Carles Puigdemont and four other former Catalan ministers have been fighting extradition from Belgium. But national warrants remain, meaning the five will face detention if they return to Spain.

The former leader of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, turned himself in on Sunday, along with four ex-ministers. A Belgian judge will decide whether to extradite them to Spain.