Puigdemont's family talks to French press: “It's hard for him”

The now-ex regional leader, fired along with his government by the Spanish State over Catalunya's disputed independence referendum, fled to Belgium with four of his ministers and, although the international arrest warrant against them has been dropped – meaning they are safe from custody in the northern European country – they know that if they ever return to Spain, they will be immediately placed behind bars.

Puigdemont's mum Núria Casamajó told the French Sunday supplement Le Journal du Dimanche that her son has not called her since he has been in Brussels, but this is apparently unusual for them both and Sra Casamajó says 'she doesn't mind' and that it 'must be because he's doing things'.

Le Journal sent reporters to the town of Amer (Girona province), where Puigdemont was born and where his family of origin lives and runs a bakery.

Puigdemont's sister, who is currently in charge of the family business, says 'lots of people come into the shop to show their support' for her brother.

The French newspaper also spoke to Puigdemont's wife, Marcela Topor, who says: “My husband's living conditions in Belgium are very hard.

“It's tough for him – he doesn't know many people there – but he's still being strong and positive,” she revealed.

Marta Madrenas, who replaced Puigdemont as mayor of Amer, says it 'must be terrible' for her predecessor.

“How awful, thinking that you might never be able to go back home again,” she says.