Spain Faces Nationwide Strike Over Housing Crisis

Millions of workers across Spain participated in the country's first general strike in 14 years, protesting soaring housing costs and demanding stronger protections for renters. The nationwide walkout disrupted public transport, schools, businesses and several industrial sectors.

Demonstrations took place in Barcelona, Madrid and more than 50 other cities. Trade unions argued that rising rents and property speculation have made housing increasingly unaffordable for ordinary families, particularly younger people and low-income workers.

Average rental costs have nearly doubled over the past decade, according to figures cited in the debate. Protesters called for stronger renter protections, measures against speculative property practices and increased government intervention in the housing market.

The strike comes ahead of Spain's November 29 national election, placing housing affordability at the centre of political campaigning. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's coalition hopes the demonstrations will strengthen its focus on social policy, while opposition parties have questioned the political motivations behind the walkout.