Spain General Strike Disrupts Services Over Housing Crisis

Spain’s first nationwide 24-hour general strike in 14 years disrupted transport, factories and public services as unions demanded action on soaring housing costs, evictions and low wages. Unions reported strong participation, including major stoppages in automotive, port and meat-processing sectors, while business groups said turnout was low across much of the economy; roadblocks, clashes with police and wholesale-market disruptions were also reported. The strike came ahead of the November 29 snap election, called after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s proposed housing measures failed to pass parliament. Spain faces a substantial housing shortage and limited public rental housing, while high rents weigh especially heavily on young people and lower- and middle-income households.