Spain has been hit by a general strike, the first in the past 14 years, organized by major unions in protest against rising housing prices, rents and the cost of living.
The protests have caused disruptions to public transport and other services, as well as blockades of several roads in Madrid and Catalonia. Dozens of people have been arrested, while incidents targeting real estate agency offices have also been reported.
Unions have described the strike as a success, while business organizations claim participation was low. The discontent is mainly linked to difficulties in affording rents, which in Madrid have reached an average of 1,170 euros for a 50-square-metre apartment.
The strike has also taken on a political dimension, on the eve of the early parliamentary elections of 29 November. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has backed workers’ right to protest, while the opposition has described the mobilization as an action with electoral motives.
Meanwhile, according to energy operator Red Eléctrica, electricity consumption during the first hours of the strike fell by 7.5%, reflecting its impact on the country’s economic activity.