Around 4 million workers took part in Spain’s first general strike since 2012 on Wednesday (11 November), protesting against soaring housing costs ahead of the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for 29 November.
The 24-hour strike was organized by tenants’ associations with the support of trade unions, including the country’s two largest, CCOO and UGT. According to the organizers, around 4 million people had joined the strike by midday, while unions reported 90% participation in the automotive industry and at ports.
The strike caused major disruptions to public transport, road blockades, and the closure of schools and universities. In Madrid, authorities estimated that 120,000 people joined the demonstrations. In Barcelona, police put the number of protesters at 55,000, compared with the 400,000 reported by organizers. Clashes with police were also reported, along with more than 50 arrests.
The previous general strike took place on 14 November 2012, in protest against austerity measures introduced by the conservative government of Mariano Rajoy.
According to figures cited by the Guardian, rents in Spain have risen by 80% over the past decade, while house prices have increased by 63%. Tenants’ organizations are calling for measures to curb property speculation, a ban on short-term tourist rentals, and stronger tenant protections. They argue that wage increases are no longer enough to cover housing costs.
The previous general strike, held on 14 November 2012, was directed against the austerity measures and labor reforms introduced by Mariano Rajoy’s conservative government amid the economic crisis and widespread unemployment.
This year’s strike comes at a politically significant moment, ahead of snap elections called by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez after right-wing parties voted down emergency housing measures. Polls cited by the Guardian suggest the possibility of a governing coalition between the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party. Right-wing parties accuse the unions of seeking to boost Sánchez’s electoral prospects, while the prime minister has defended the protests and the historic role of the labor movement.
