Spain’s interior minister orders inquiry into strike policing and bans tear gas at protests

Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has ordered an inquiry into the police conduct during Wednesday's general strike, and banned the use of tear gas to control demonstrations. Trade unions have threatened legal action, claiming the response was excessive. The minister's decision comes amid widespread criticism of how police handled the strike, which was the first general strike in Spain in 14 years.

The investigation will specifically look into incidents during the 11th November strike, and could result in disciplinary action. However, it is unclear whether the ban on tear gas applies to pepper sprays used by some police units. Complaints about police behavior began during the strike's early stages, with reports of injuries to protesters in Madrid's wholesale food market.

The UGT union described the police response as an "unacceptable act in a democratic country" and an infringement of the right to strike. The incident in central Madrid, where police used tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against demonstrators, has sparked further outrage. As of Wednesday night, the Interior Ministry recorded 1,144 strike-related incidents and 47 arrests by the National Police and Guardia Civil.

The majority of arrests occurred in Madrid, with smaller numbers in other regions. The controversy has divided the governing coalition, with some calling for the Interior Minister to resign.