Spain General Strike

A protestor reacts after being targeted with pepper spray by police pushing back protestors blocking Madrid's Gran Via main avenue during a nationwide general strike in Spain, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.

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Spain’s workers hold a general strike over housing costs before a national election

Spain’s workers hold a general strike over housing costs before a national election

Millions of Spanish workers have shut down businesses and disrupted transportation in a protest over housing costs. The strike on Wednesday was the first general strike in Spain in 14 years. Storefronts in Barcelona were boarded up and public transportation faced delays. Protesters in Madrid blocked main streets despite rain and police using pepper spray in some locations. Unions reported significant work stoppages across key sectors. The protest highlights Spain's housing crisis with activists demanding government action. The strike is seen as a pivotal moment before the national election later this month.