<p>In Spain, the autonomous region of Catalonia is gearing up for local elections that could determine its future as a whole. Separatist leaders in Catalonia have vowed to declare independence within a year and a half if they win a majority of seats in the regional assembly. Catalan President Artur Mas'list is on track for victory, a situation leading to bitter rhetoric between Barcelona and Madrid in the run up to the vote.</p><br />A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Laura Burloux<br /><br />Visit our website:<br />http://www.france24.com<br /><br />Like us on Facebook:<br />https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English<br /><br />Follow us on Twitter:<br />https://twitter.com/France24_en
