General strike over housing brings out hundreds of thousands in Spain

Transport and public services in Spain experienced significant disruption as a result of the first general strike in 14 years, called by major unions over housing affordability and the high cost of living. Demonstrations were expected to continue later that day, primarily in Madrid and Barcelona. The strike came ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for November 29.

Both the UGT and CC OO unions reported high and significant participation, respectively, though the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations claimed turnout was low and uneven across different regions and sectors. Major disruptions were observed in key industrial areas like Madrid and Catalonia, with traffic halted on several major roads.

Police arrested dozens of individuals involved in various incidents, and estate agencies reported attacks on their offices. The strike was sparked by widespread protests against affordable housing and rising living costs, particularly following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid apartment after seven decades of residence.

She subsequently passed away in the hospital. Rental prices in the capital have skyrocketed, with a 50 square meter apartment averaging €1,170 per month in October, compared to Spain's average gross monthly salary of about €2,460. This led to a situation where nearly half of the average salary is spent on housing, a stark contrast to the 30% affordability threshold recommended by housing experts and institutions.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for early elections after parliament failed to pass his housing reform plan. While previous strikes have posed challenges for governments, this one is unique as Sánchez and his ministers have actively encouraged workers to participate and advocate for affordable housing. The conservative People's Party criticized the government for attempting to use the strike as a tool for electoral advantage, labeling the unions as a "mafia" and "trash."

Despite this, Sánchez defended workers' right to strike, dismissing the opposition's claims as "nonsense." Among those supporting the strike was 27-year-old Gonzalo Álvarez, who volunteered for a housing union and was among the protesters in central Madrid. He viewed the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal as the catalyst for this protest.