Violent clashes erupt during Spain's first general strike in 14 years

WorldPolitics
12 Nov 2026 • 5:58 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Violent clashes erupt during Spain's first general strike in 14 years

  • Millions of workers took to the streets across Spain's major cities in the country's first general strike in 14 years, protesting against soaring rents, property prices, and the cost of living under the banner "Salaries. Housing. Prices."
  • Organised by grassroots housing movements alongside major trade unions, the strike drew tens of thousands of marchers to Madrid and Barcelona, significantly disrupting public transport, heavy industry, ports, and air travel.
  • Although the main demonstrations were largely peaceful, clashes erupted in Barcelona as small groups of protesters vandalised shopfronts and targeted riot police, contributing to 49 arrests nationwide.
  • Campaigners are demanding strict real estate regulation, stronger tenant protections, and increased public housing, with public anger intensified by average Spanish rents nearly doubling over the past decade.
  • The nationwide action takes place weeks ahead of a snap general election on 29 November, with opposition politicians accusing the unions of staging the strike to aid Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's left-wing coalition.

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