Transport and public services across Spain experienced widespread disruption on Wednesday during the country's first general strike in 14 years. Called by major labour unions, the industrial action was driven by widespread public anger over soaring housing costs and the rising cost of living, unfolding just weeks before national parliamentary elections scheduled for 29 November.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in evening rallies in cities including Madrid and Barcelona, while major roads in industrial hubs and Catalonia faced traffic blockages. The interior ministry reported dozens of arrests amid various incidents, and property offices reportedly faced attacks. Power grid operator Red Eléctrica noted that industrial electricity consumption fell by 7.5% during the early hours of the strike.
Labour leaders praised the turnout, with UGT chief Pepe Álvarez describing participation as "massive" and CC OO's Unai Sordo calling it "very significant." Conversely, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) characterized participation as "low and uneven," arguing that the stoppage was politically motivated rather than labour-related.
The strike comes shortly after Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called snap elections following parliament's rejection of his housing reform plans. Uniquely, Sánchez and his ministers encouraged workers to join the walkout. Meanwhile, opposition People's Party (PP) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo dismissed the strike as "nonsense," accusing the government of weaponising labour unions for electoral advantage as the conservative party leads in current polls.
