Eduard Sallent, the chief of the Mossos d'Esquadra, faced significant criticism after a failed operation to detain Carles Puigdemont, the former President of Catalonia, which resulted in his escape with the assistance of three agents. The investigation into the incident was limited by the Mossos to only these three individuals and the specific days of August 7 and 8 when the escape occurred. This narrow focus has raised eyebrows among observers and has led to accusations of a lack of accountability within the police force.

During a press conference that followed the incident, Sallent attempted to defend the police's actions, attributing the failure to Puigdemont's behaviors and portraying the situation as one akin to the antics of a well-known provocateur in sports. His comments, however, were poorly received within the ranks of the Mossos, where there was a palpable sense of shock and disappointment. The police force felt undermined and publicly humiliated, contributing to a climate of tension and decreased morale following the event.

This incident not only casts a shadow over Sallent's leadership but also raises broader questions regarding the effectiveness and integrity of the Mossos d'Esquadra as a law enforcement agency. The implications for Catalan politics are significant, as the police's ability to manage high-profile cases could affect public trust and the government's reputation in handling separatist tensions, particularly regarding leaders like Puigdemont who have remained controversial figures in the region's quest for independence.