Spain's main unions called the country's first general strike in 14 years over housing and the cost of living, disrupting transport and public services. The strike landed little more than two weeks before national elections, and unions, business groups and political parties gave different readings of it.
Transport and other public services across Spain faced serious disruption on Wednesday, the first general strike in 14 years. Demonstrations took place nationwide, including in Madrid and Barcelona, where tens of thousands marched in the evening.
Some of the biggest disruption hit Madrid and Catalonia, where traffic was halted on several main roads. The interior ministry said dozens of people were arrested for a variety of incidents.
A Madrid eviction sparked the protest
The strike followed widespread protests over affordable housing and rising living costs, set off by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from a Madrid flat where she had lived for seven decades. She died in hospital weeks later.
A 50m sq apartment in Madrid cost an average of €1,170 a month in October, according to Idealista, while Spain's average gross monthly salary is about €2,460. That is nearly half the average gross salary, against a 30% level of affordability often recommended by housing experts.
Unions, business groups and the PP clash over the strike
UGT head Pepe Álvarez called the strike a success, and Unai Sordo of CC OO said turnout was significant. The Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations, however, said participation was low and uneven, depending on area and sector.
CEOE vice-president Miguel Garrido also criticised the action. According to Garrido: "This is not a strike for labour-related reasons, but rather for political ones", linked to the early election call.
Government backs the strike ahead of the 29 November vote
Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called snap elections last month after parliament failed to approve his housing reform plan. Unlike in earlier strikes, Sánchez and his ministers have encouraged workers to stop work and demand affordable housing.
The conservative People's Party accuses the government of trying to weaponise the strike for electoral gain. The PP leads in the polls, and a right-wing government looks the most likely outcome of the vote.
Electricity demand offers one measure of turnout. Power usage fell by 7.5% in the early hours of Wednesday, according to Red Eléctrica, against a drop of more than 15% during the last general strike 14 years ago.
Source: BBC News
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