Protesters set fires, damaged shopfronts and hurled fireworks at riot police in parts of Spain on Wednesday, as a nationwide strike over rising housing costs disrupted transport and businesses.
In Barcelona, violence broke out after a mostly peaceful march. Some demonstrators vandalized stores along the busy Paseo de Gracia, lit small fires and threw fireworks at officers who arrived in riot gear and armored vehicles.
The walkout was Spain’s first general strike in 14 years. Workers called for action on soaring rents and the rising cost of living. Activists said 400,000 people marched in Barcelona, while city officials put the crowd at 55,000. In Madrid, an estimated 120,000 people gathered despite heavy rain.
The strike disrupted public transport, closed some businesses and blocked major roads. Police made arrests in several parts of the country, and officers used pepper spray against demonstrators in Madrid.
Public anger has grown amid Spain’s housing crisis. One case that drew attention involved an 87-year-old Madrid woman who had lived in her apartment for 70 years and reportedly faced a tripling of her rent before she was evicted. She died weeks later.
Housing has become a major political issue ahead of Spain’s Nov. 29 parliamentary elections. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reportedly urged workers to use their right to strike. Conservative opposition leaders, meanwhile, accused his government of using the unrest for political advantage.
Spain’s largest labor unions described the strike as a success, though business groups disputed claims that participation was widespread.
