Four million join Spain strike over soaring rents as clashes erupt in Madrid and Barcelona

Spain has been gripped by protests over a housing crisis and rising rents. On Wednesday (11 November), ignoring stormy weather, around four million people took part in a general strike across the country.

With roughly one-fifth of the country's total workforce joining the action, it is being seen as the biggest general strike in 14 years.

Less than three weeks before an early general election, Spain's two largest labour organisations, the General Union of Workers (UGT) and the Workers' Commissions (CCOO), called the 24-hour strike. Tenants' organisations angered by rent rises and evictions also backed the action.

According to a Reuters report, the daytime strikes and demonstrations were peaceful in most cases. But after evening fell, protesters clashed with police in several areas of the capital Madrid and of Barcelona.

In Barcelona, furniture was set on fire in the street after the main march ended. In Madrid's central Plaza de España area, riot police used foam bullets, tear gas and pepper spray to disperse protesters.

According to police, at least 1,044 incidents took place across the country around the strike, including blockades at offices and industrial areas and garbage containers being set on fire. At least 73 people were arrested in these incidents.

The labour unions, however, alleged that the police operation was disproportionate. They said at least 20 protesters were injured by tear gas and baton charges. The unions announced they would file criminal complaints over the incident.

Fearing unrest, riot police were heavily present on Gran Via, Madrid's main shopping street. For security reasons, big brands such as Primark, H&M and Pull&Bear kept their stores closed. In Barcelona too, wooden boards were put up as security barriers in front of many shops.

The trade unions claimed the strike was a success. Support for the action was stronger in coastal areas, where the housing crisis is acute. However, stormy weather forced organisers to postpone afternoon marches in several cities, including the southern port city of Cadiz.

According to Spain's central bank, the country currently has a shortage of around 750,000 homes. By 2028, that shortage could exceed one million. With people unable to afford to buy homes, pressure on rented housing is growing.

According to Spain's Youth Council, the average rent in the country is 1,176 euros, which is about 98.7 percent of a young worker's average monthly salary.

Jesus Gonzalez, 36, who works in the IT department of a Madrid hospital, backed the strike and said that even at this age he cannot afford to live in a place of his own. With rents and house prices rising the way they are, the situation has become unbearable, he said.

But Angela de Miguel, vice president of Spain's main business organisation CEOE, believes a strike will not solve the crisis and may instead increase losses for small businesses. She told state broadcaster TVE that small businesses are also struggling to recruit staff because of the housing crisis. In her view, instead of strikes, building more homes and cutting taxes on construction and home buying are the effective ways to solve the crisis.