Spain held its first general strike in 14 years on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, as workers walked off the job over soaring rents and the cost of living.[1][2] By evening, groups of masked men clashed with police in Barcelona, setting fire to rubbish bins and smashing shop windows as officers fired tear gas.[1]
Related: Cost of Living by Country 2026: Prices Rose in 128 of 142 Countries.
How big it was
About 120,000 people marched in Madrid and more than 50,000 in Barcelona, the BBC reported.[1] The unions CCOO and UGT reported stoppages of 90% in the automotive and port sectors and 75% in energy.[2] About 5% of flights were canceled, according to airport operator AENA.
Not everyone agreed it worked. “It has been a success in terms of turnout,” said Unai Sordo, head of CCOO. A spokesman for the Madrid regional government, run by the conservative Popular Party, called it a “complete and authentic failure” and said 9% of regional public employees took part.[2]
Arrest figures differed. Police said they made 29 arrests nationwide, NPR reported. The BBC cited the interior ministry as saying dozens of people were arrested.[1][2]
Why Spaniards walked out
The monthly cost of a 50-square-meter apartment in Madrid averaged €1,170 in October, according to property portal Idealista. Spain’s average gross monthly salary is about €2,460.[1] That puts rent at nearly half of pay, far above the 30% level housing experts often recommend.
Protests grew after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from the Madrid flat where she had lived for seven decades. She died in hospital weeks later.[1]
The election backdrop
Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called snap elections for Nov. 29 after parliament failed to approve his housing reform.[1] His government encouraged workers to join the strike.
Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, whose party leads in the polls, called the strike “nonsense.”[1]
More coverage is in our Europe section and economics section.
Sources
- BBC News: Clashes erupt in Barcelona after thousands join Spain general strike
- NPR: Spain’s general strike demands solutions to housing crisis
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