Catalonia's separatist leader has called on Spain's Government to allow him to return home in time for the opening session of the Catalan parliament so that he can become the region's next president.

Carles Puigdemont, who ruled in Catalonia until October and faces arrest in Spain for his role in organising a referendum on independence and proclaiming a Catalan republic, is currently in self-imposed exile in Belgium.

Separatist parties secured a parliamentary majority in a regional election on Thursday, though it is still unclear whether Mr Puigdemont and other jailed leaders of the movement will be able to attend assembly sessions.

"I want to come back to Catalonia as soon as possible," Mr Puigdemont said.

"I would like to come back right now. It would be good news for Spain."

Asked if he would be back in time for the opening session which has to take place on January 23 at the latest, he said it would be strange if he wasn't.

"It would be natural. If I am not allowed to be sworn in as president, it would be a major abnormality for the Spanish democratic system," he said.

"I am the president of the regional government and I will remain the president if the Spanish state respects the results of the vote."

Mr Puigdemont, who has called for dialogue with the Spanish Government to resolve the current tensions between the turbulent region and the authorities in Madrid, said he was ready to listen to any proposal from Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, even if this offer fell short of an offer of independence.
"If the Spanish state has a proposal for Catalonia, we should listen," Mr Puigdemont said.