Puigdemont won't run for presidency

In self-exile in Belgium and wanted in Spain, Catalonia's deposed leader Carles Puigdemont abandoned his bid to return as regional president Thursday in an attempt to unblock the region's political crisis.

"I will not put myself forward as candidate to be appointed regional president," Puigdemont announced solemnly from Belgium in a video posted on social media, standing in front of Catalan and EU flags.

The 55-year-old called for a new candidate to be chosen "as soon as possible" from Catalonia's separatist bloc, which won December elections in a region deeply divided over independence.

This could pave the way for Catalonia to get a fully-functioning government and regain its autonomy after Madrid took full control of the Spanish region over its October secession bid.

Madrid welcomed Puigdemont's move, with a Spanish government source, saying Catalonia needed "to have a regional president as soon as possible".

He also put forward Jordi Sanchez, head of the ANC, a hugely influential pro-independence citizens' group, as his preferred choice to lead Catalonia forward.