Throngs of demonstrators filled Barcelona's streets Tuesday in a regional independence protest fueled by Spain's economic crisis. September 11 is known as Catalonia's national day, and for years there have been demonstrations pushing for independence in the northeastern region. But Tuesday's turnout was larger than expected, Spanish newspapers reported. Hours before, Artur Mas, the president of Catalonia's regional government, attended official ceremonies commemorating the day. Later, he issued a warning: if Spain's central government in Madrid doesn't give the region more control over its tax dollars, independence could be an option. "If we do not reach a financial agreement with the central government, the path to freedom for Catalonia is open," he said.
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Turnout of Tuesday's protest is larger than expected
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Spain's economic crisis fuels demonstrations
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Catalonia's regional president pushes for "fiscal pact" with Madrid
Some analysts say Spain's financial problems have pushed @placeholder to ask for more, now.