Major unions coordinated walkouts across the country, leading to blocked roadways, dozens of arrests, and attacks on estate agency offices in Madrid and Catalonia. The unrest follows the death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal after she was evicted from her Madrid home. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had previously called snap elections when parliament rejected his housing reforms, leading his administration to actively encourage citizens to protest high rents. Meanwhile, business groups criticized the industrial action as ineffective and misplaced, while the opposition People's Party accused the ruling party of exploiting public frustration for political gain.
Key points
Severe living and rental expenses have pushed union leaders and everyday citizens to stag…: Severe living and rental expenses have pushed union leaders and everyday citizens to stage massive nationwide protests.
Political opposition leaders allege that the governing Socialists are weaponizing public…: Political opposition leaders allege that the governing Socialists are weaponizing public anger over housing to improve their position before elections.
Conservative parties currently maintain a polling lead over the government despite widesp…: Conservative parties currently maintain a polling lead over the government despite widespread public outrage regarding real estate affordability.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Published
Transport and other public services across Spain have faced serious disruption in the first general strike for 14 years called by the main unions over housing and the high cost of living.
Demonstrations were also planned later on Wednesday, with the biggest protests expected in Madrid and Barcelona. Spaniards are due to vote in parliamentary elections on 29 November.
The head of the big UGT labour union, Pepe Álvarez, said the strike was a success with "massive" participation, while Unai Sordo of the CC OO union said turnout was "very significant."
However, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations said participation was "low and uneven", depending on the areas and sectors involved.
Some of the biggest disruption on Wednesday was seen in the main industrial hubs of Madrid and the north-eastern region of Catalonia where traffic was halted on several main roads.
The interior ministry said dozens of people were arrested for a variety of incidents and Spanish reports said estate agencies had seen attacks on their offices.
The strike was triggered by widespread protests over affordable housing and…
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