Scottish President Artur Mas sets earlier this month as the date for an independence referendum . The federal government in Spain is firmly opposed to any such vote taking place . Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators called November 9 for a vote to be held . But opinion polls suggest that less than a majority would opt for a split from Madrid .
Catalan President Artur Mas sets November 9 as the date for an independence referendum . The federal government in Madrid is firmly opposed to any such vote taking place . Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators called earlier this month for a vote to be held . But opinion polls suggest that less than a majority would opt for a split from Spain .