Spain Hit by Nationwide Strike Over Housing and Costs
Millions of workers across Spain walked off the job Wednesday in a 24-hour general strike over housing costs. It is the country's first general strike in 14 years.
- 90% stoppages in automotive and port sectors, the UGT and CCOO unions said.
- Average Spanish rent has nearly doubled over the past 10 years.
- 750,000 homes is Spain's estimated housing deficit, per central bank figures.
- 13 people sought medical care after pepper spray near Madrid's wholesale market, strikers said.
Why it matters: The strike lands weeks before a Nov. 29 snap election. Months of polling show voters leaning toward the right.
- Transport slowed or stopped in Barcelona and Madrid during the morning rush.
- Barcelona saw roadblocks with burning tires; picketers and police scuffled outside Madrid.
How 13 sources split on this story
Where they split: The dispute is whether the strike is a housing protest or an election tool to help Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stay in power.
Center coverage, 9 sources: The center sees a housing-driven strike that both blocs are trying to turn to their advantage before the vote.
Left coverage, 2 sources: The left sees a broad uprising over unaffordable housing, set against an election that could bring Vox, which these outlets call far-right, into power.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right sees a broader cost-of-living protest over wages and housing, with street clashes, ahead of elections.
What’s next: On Thursday, the government will again seek ratification of two housing decrees the lower chamber rejected last month.
- Spain votes Nov. 29 in a snap election Sánchez called after the decrees failed.
- Will the strike shift the campaign back toward housing after the deadly train collision?
- Will the interim Parliament ratify the housing decrees this time?
