Published on Nov 24, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish
The Spanish region of Catalonia is to hold elections on Sunday that could determine whether it eventually breaks away from the rest of the country. Artur Mas, the region's president, called the poll two years early after failing to negotiate a new financial deal with Madrid. The idea of separating has gained popularity in the last few years, with the region's economy - which accounts for more than a fifth of Spain's income - a key factor.
