Spain Faces Nationwide General Strike Amid Housing Crisis

A historic general strike is underway across Spain, marking the first such action in 14 years. The 24-hour walkout, which commenced at midnight on Wednesday, is aimed at amplifying demands for government intervention in the ongoing housing crisis, just weeks before a national election scheduled for 29 November.

Millions of workers have joined the strike, resulting in significant disruptions to public transport services and forcing numerous businesses, factories, and shops to either close or operate with reduced hours. This mobilisation reflects the underlying tensions regarding affordable housing, which have been intensified following the eviction of an elderly Madrid pensioner, Maricarmen Abascal, in September. Abascal's eviction, which gained widespread media attention, has been cited as a catalyst for the ongoing protests.

In cities like Barcelona, demonstrators set up blockades and reported minor incidents, including confrontations with police. The two primary unions behind the strike, the General Union of Workers (UGT) and the Workers' Commissions (CCOO), have announced significant participation, noting that 90 percent of workers in key sectors, such as automotive and port operations, have joined the walkout. However, the CEOE, which represents business interests, indicated that participation has varied across sectors and regions.

The strike's organisers assert that it isn't merely a protest but a collective demand for government action regarding the urgent issue of access to housing. UGT leader Pepe Álvarez described the turnout as “massive,” while Unai Sordo from CCOO highlighted that early participation was “very significant.”

The Spanish socialist government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, called a snap election after failing to implement a proposed housing reform agenda aimed at alleviating the crisis. The average rent for a 50-square-metre apartment in Madrid reached approximately €1,170 in October, which equals nearly half of the average monthly salary of €2,460, intensifying public frustration.

The response to the general strike has, however, stirred controversy. The conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party have condemned the strike as politically motivated. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo warned unions against being perceived as aligned with the Sánchez administration, particularly following a recent tragic train accident that claimed 69 lives.

Young adults, in particular, are feeling the housing squeeze acutely. Reports from the Youth Council of Spain suggest that rental prices have surged by almost 100 percent over the past decade, resulting in a severe impact on younger individuals. Gonzalo Álvarez, a 27-year-old involved in the protest, shares that current prices make home ownership unattainable for the vast majority. “It’s absolutely crazy… with the food, with the electricity, with the water, with gas,” he commented.

In the face of significant public discontent, with demonstrations anticipated in major cities throughout the day, the general strike stands as a reflection of the mounting pressure on the government regarding housing affordability as the national elections loom closer.