Spain hit by first general strike in 14 years over housing
Spain has been hit by its first general strike in 14 years as soaring rents and a worsening housing crisis sparked widespread transport disruption and mass protests.
Public transport and essential services ground to a halt across Spain on Wednesday during the country's first general strike in 14 years. Major trade unions called the nationwide walkout over an escalating housing crisis and living costs, ahead of snap parliamentary elections scheduled for 29 November.
The interior ministry reported dozens of arrests as protesters blocked key highways in Madrid and Catalonia and targeted estate agents. Anger flared after 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal was evicted from her Madrid flat of 70 years, later dying in hospital.
According to portal Idealista, renting a 50-square-metre Madrid apartment reached €1,170 in October, nearly half of Spain's €2,460 average monthly salary. Union leaders hailed massive turnout, while business groups argued participation was low and uneven across sectors.
Source: BBC News
