The nationwide general strike drew massive crowds, with official figures reporting 120,000 demonstrators in Madrid and over 50,000 in Barcelona. As tensions flared, masked groups hurled projectiles and started fires, prompting law enforcement to counter with tear gas and rubber bullets. Demonstrators also caused severe disruptions by blockading offices and industrial estates across the country. By late evening, authorities had documented more than a thousand strike-related incidents.
Key points
Widespread anger regarding housing affordability and purchasing power triggered Spain's f…: Widespread anger regarding housing affordability and purchasing power triggered Spain's first general strike since 2012.
The massive street protests erupted just weeks before the country is scheduled to hold an…: The massive street protests erupted just weeks before the country is scheduled to hold an early general election.
Strike actions disrupted business operations through targeted blockades of offices, indus…: Strike actions disrupted business operations through targeted blockades of offices, industrial estates, and burning of rubbish containers.
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In Pictures
Photos: Protesters clash with police after housing cost rallies in Spain
Anger over housing affordability and purchasing power leads to clashes amid Spain’s first general strike in 14 years.
Sporadic clashes broke out in Madrid and Barcelona after protests were held across Spain over housing affordability and purchasing power, just weeks before an early general election.
Hundreds of thousands of protesters turned out on Wednesday during Spain’s first nationwide 24-hour strike since 2012.
Authorities estimate about 120,000 demonstrators marched through the capital and more than 50,000 rallied in Barcelona.
In Madrid and Barcelona, groups of hooded and masked demonstrators hurled projectiles at police and sparked fires. Police, meanwhile, used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters.
Police forces reported at least 73 arrests nationwide by 21:00 GMT on Wednesday from at least 1,044 incidents linked to the general strike, including blockades of offices and industrial estates, and the burning of rubbish containers.
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