Puigdemont withdraws

The former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont withdraws as a candidate for the presidency of Catalonia.

The ex-leader called last year the independence of Catalonia. He fled to Belgium when the central government intervened in Madrid and took over the authority in the region and sidelined the parliament.

Puigdemont is said to push Jordi Sanchez, an ally in terms of independence, as a new candidate. Sanchez is stuck at the moment. He is accused of incitement.