Spain halts production in general strike over housing crisis

Millions of workers across Spain stopped work on Wednesday, participating in the country's first general strike in 14 years. The walkout is intended to pressure the government to address the nation's housing crisis less than three weeks before a national election. The date falls on November 11, 2026.

Public transport systems in major cities faced severe delays or complete stops during the morning rush hour. In Madrid, heavy rains compounded the disruption, particularly affecting city buses. Schools and universities reported closures or minimal capacity. Factories across the eurozone's fourth-largest economy also slowed operations. Minor incidents included roadblocks with burning tires in Barcelona and scuffles between picketers and police near a wholesale market on Madrid's outskirts.

Unions UGT and CCOO reported high participation rates in key sectors. The automotive and port sectors saw 90% work stoppages. The meat industry reported 85%, waste collection 82%, and the energy sector 75%. Sandra Mora, a spokesperson for the Tenants' Union, told national radio RNE that workers who are also renters or mortgage holders hold the power to halt production and bring the economy to a standstill.

The strike follows a surge in public anger over housing costs. Average rents in Spain have nearly doubled over the last decade. Tensions peaked after the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, known as Maricarmen, in Madrid last month. She died after the eviction, becoming a symbol for those struggling with high costs. Activists used the incident to rally support for the strike, which was subsequently backed by the major unions. Demands include eliminating tourist apartments, cracking down on real estate speculation, and automatic lease renewals for renters.

Political analysts view the strike as an opportunity for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his left-wing coalition to refocus the campaign on housing. The government recently passed emergency measures to limit evictions, but right-wing parties in Parliament rejected them. Sánchez called the election on October 5 to secure another term. However, a fatal high-speed train collision that killed 69 people has dominated recent news. Oriol Bartomeus, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, said the Socialists need the strike to succeed without violence to shift the campaign focus back to housing.

Conservative parties, including the Popular Party and Vox, oppose extensive government intervention in the housing market. They argue the unions are using the strike to help Sánchez stay in office. Miguel Tellado, a spokesperson for the Popular Party, described the event as an electoral strike rather than a general one. Both right-wing parties believe voters are leaning toward their side, and they hope for chaotic scenes to argue for a return to order.

The government will attempt again on Thursday to have a reduced interim Parliament ratify the two housing decrees rejected by the full lower chamber last month. Sánchez posted a video this week praising historical social policies achieved through the workers' movement. He warned that right-wing parties would implement austerity and underfund social services. Verónica Martínez, spokesperson for Sumar, stated that the Left needs workers to mobilize on the streets before winning in institutions.