Artur Mas,. | EFE

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The wealthiest region in Spain wants independence, and it may come soon if separatists win regional elections on 27 September. This election could be the break the Catalan independence movement has been waiting for ever since the country emerged from dictatorship 40 years ago.

Catalonia's president, Artur Mas, who is also the leader of the separatist movement, signed a decree last month calling for early regional elections that would speed up the chance for independence in the region. But to win independence the separatists must win a majority in the regional parliament and then submit their declaration to Madrid.

The election is the stepping stone to gaining independence through political means.