Spain Sees Nationwide Strike and Clashes Over Rising Housing Costs

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as clashes broke out in Madrid and Barcelona following nationwide protests over housing costs and purchasing power in Spain.

Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the country’s first nationwide 24-hour general strike since 2012. Authorities estimated that around 120,000 people marched in Madrid and more than 50,000 in Barcelona.

Some protesters threw projectiles and set fires, prompting police intervention. Police arrested 18 people in Barcelona.

The strike disrupted public transport and some business operations, although participation varied across sectors and regions. Trade unions described the turnout as massive, while the employers’ association called the strike a failure.

The protests come amid rising rents and growing concerns over housing affordability ahead of Spain’s November 29 snap election.