Protesters set fires, damaged businesses and fired fireworks toward riot police in parts of Spain on Wednesday as a nationwide strike over surging housing costs disrupted transportation, commerce and daily life.
In Barcelona, unrest broke out after a mostly peaceful march. Demonstrators reportedly vandalized shops along the upscale Paseo de Gracia, ignited small fires and launched fireworks at officers who arrived in riot gear and armored vehicles, The Associated Press reported.
The disorder marked a dramatic turn during Spain’s first general strike in 14 years. Workers walked off the job to demand action on soaring rents, inflation and the broader cost-of-living squeeze.
A demonstrator holds a sign while fires burn behind him during Wednesday’s housing crisis protest in Barcelona, Spain. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Housing groups said 400,000 people took part in the Barcelona march, while municipal authorities put the crowd at 55,000. In Madrid, officials estimated that 120,000 people demonstrated despite heavy rain, according to the AP.
The strike brought disruptions across the country, including reduced public transportation, business closures and road blockades. Arrests were reported in several locations, and police used pepper spray against protesters in Madrid, the AP said.
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Rioters burn trash bins in Barcelona on Wednesday during a national strike over Spain’s housing crisis. Workers were also calling for stronger purchasing power ahead of a snap general election later this month near Catalunya Square. (Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images)
The anger has intensified as Spain’s housing crisis continues to affect renters nationwide. One case that fueled public outrage involved an 87-year-old Madrid woman who was evicted from the apartment where she had lived for 70 years after reportedly facing a rent increase of three times the previous amount. She died several weeks later, the BBC reported.
Housing affordability has emerged as a central issue ahead of Spain’s Nov. 29 parliamentary elections. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reportedly urged workers to use their legal right to strike.
Protesters set fires and throw objects during Wednesday’s housing crisis unrest in Barcelona, Spain. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
The protests have also intensified political tensions. Conservative opposition figures accused Sánchez’s government of using the unrest to strengthen its position before the election, the BBC reported.
Spain’s largest labor unions, meanwhile, called the strike a success. Business organizations challenged that assessment, disputing claims that participation was widespread.
