Jordi Pujol Trial Begins: Former Catalan President Faces Court Despite Health Concerns
The highly anticipated trial of Jordi Pujol, former president of Catalonia, commenced today with a dramatic opening marked by health questions and a surprising decision to proceed despite a concerning medical report. Until May 14,2026,the proceedings were dominated by the question of whether Pujol,who served as president from 1980 to 2003,is physically and mentally fit to stand trial. The 84-year-old appeared via video link from his home in Barcelona, a situation that may change as the proceedings unfold. He is accused of concealing a vast family fortune abroad, and shares the dock – virtually, for now – with 18 other defendants, including seven of his children.
The court’s decision to move forward with the trial despite a report from the Institute of Legal Medicine of Catalonia concluding that Pujol suffers from a “neurocognitive disorder mixed type” (Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia) and lacks the capacity for self-defense, stunned many observers.”They do not exonerate him, they do not exempt him, they judge the former Catalan president,” a source close to the case remarked, reflecting the disbelief felt by many present.
The day began with a focus on Pujol’s health. The three judges presiding over the case – José Ricardo de Prada, MarÃa fernanda GarcÃa, and MarÃa Riera – personally sought to assess his condition, even as forensic experts advised against it due to his recent hospitalization for mild pneumonia. During the brief 25-minute appearance, Pujol reportedly stated, “I am not feeling well but I am at the disposal of the court.” He has consistently maintained that the family’s wealth originated from a 120 million peseta inheritance from his father in 1980, a claim he has yet to fully “regularize,” according to reports.
The arrival of the Pujol family at the National Court in San Fernando de henares was met with intense media scrutiny. Journalists braved the cold, awaiting the arrival of each family member. Oriol Pujol, the only son to follow his father into politics, arrived first, followed by Jordi Pujol Ferrusola, facing a potential 29-year prison sentence related to past business dealings and a controversial conversation with Alicia Sanchez camacho of the PP. Other siblings, including Mireia, Pere, and Mercè Gironès – Pujol ferrusola’s ex-wife, who also faces a 17-year sentence – arrived separately. The youngest brother, oleguer, was absent, having been investigated in the past for alleged illicit operations, though that case was later filed.
The prosecution is seeking prison sentences ranging from five years for ten businessmen to as high as 29 years for some of Pujol’s children. the State Attorney’s Office is focusing its accusations on Jordi and Josep Pujol Ferrusola, as well as Mercè Gironès. The defense teams,comprised of prominent Catalan lawyers including Cristóbal Martell,José MarÃa Fuster-Fabra,and Jordi Pina,immediately challenged the National Court’s jurisdiction,arguing the case should be heard in Barcelona due to the alleged financial activities occurring in andorra. They also raised concerns about the statute of limitations on some of the alleged tax crimes and questioned the evidence presented by the prosecution,citing “incriminating infringement” – a lack of concrete proof.
A central argument from the defense revolves around the theory of “Operation catalonia,” alleging a politically motivated campaign against the independence movement, involving alleged coercion of Andorran banks to provide financial details of Catalan politicians and the Pujol family. A screenshot of the Pujol family’s bank details, obtained by the UDEF and published by El Mundo, has resurfaced as evidence supporting this claim.
The first day concluded without resolving preliminary issues, with 42 days of trial scheduled over the coming months. As one taxi driver reportedly remarked, reflecting a common sentiment, “If nothing happens, Pujol is a lot of Pujol, he knows a lot about the king, it is clear that there were patriotic police to defend Spain from the independentists.” The trial resumes Tuesday at 10 a.m.,though the presence of the Pujol family is not expected to be required daily.
