This wealthy but financially troubled corner of Spain goes to the polls on Sunday to elect a regional government.<br/> <br />If, as opinion polls predict, voters go for pro-independence parties the new leader will be able to hold a referendum on succession from Spain.<br/> <br />Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is fighting to keep Spain united in the face of a deep recession that threatens the country's euro zone membership.<br/> <br />He says the breakaway plan is absurd, he wants Catalonia in Spain and Spain in Europe.<br/> <br />But Catalan President Artur Mas is expected to be re-elected.<br/> <br />And he told supporters at a rally that if the central government won't allow Catalonia to progress it must fulfil its potential by going it alone.<br/> <br />The region has more people than Denmark and an economy that rivals Portugal's.<br/> <br />And Spain's recession has sharpened the Catalan perception that they are unfairly taxed.
