General Strike in Spain Halts Transport and Public Services Over Soaring Rents and Inflation

A nationwide general strike in Spain—the country’s first in 14 years—brought transport, industrial operations, and public services to a standstill on Wednesday as demonstrators protested rising housing rents and inflation.

According to British broadcaster BBC, the strike saw joint participation from Spain’s two largest labor unions alongside tenants’ associations demanding relief from the escalating cost of living.

Protests Disrupt Madrid, Barcelona, and Major Cities

Demonstrations caused widespread disruption across several major cities, including Madrid and Barcelona. Key roads were blocked, heavily impacting traffic flow and public transit networks.

In some areas, protesters set tires ablaze during the demonstrations. Police confirmed that 40 people were arrested in incidents linked to the strike.

Eviction of 87-Year-Old Resident Sparks Public Outrage

One of the major catalysts behind the protests was the eviction of 87-year-old Mari Carmen Abascal, who had lived in Madrid for nearly 70 years.

After new property owners raised her rent, Abascal was forced to vacate her home. She passed away in a hospital just a few weeks later—a tragedy that intensified public anger over housing affordability.

Madrid Rent Surge Consumes Nearly Half of Average Salary

Highlighting the severity of the housing crisis, the report noted that the average monthly rent for a 50-square-meter home in Madrid climbed to €1,170 in October.

That figure accounts for roughly half of Spain’s average gross monthly salary, leaving many residents struggling to keep up with housing costs alongside broader inflation.

Political Divide Over the General Strike in Spain

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed support for the strike. However, opposition parties dismissed the action, characterizing it as a political campaign ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for November 29.

Conflicting Claims on Strike Turnout

The scale of participation in the general strike in Spain also drew contrasting assessments from workers’ and employers’ groups:

• Labor unions claimed that approximately 4 million people took part in the nationwide walkout.
• Business associations, by contrast, described participation as limited across various regions and economic sectors.