Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Barcelona and Madrid on Wednesday evening, November 11, as demonstrations over rising housing costs followed Spain's first nationwide general strike in 14 years.
The 24-hour strike brought workers, trade unions and housing campaigners onto the streets to demand affordable accommodation, stronger tenant protections and action against rising rents and evictions.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Spain held its first nationwide general strike since 2012 on November 11, 2026.
Housing affordability, rising rents and evictions were the main issues behind the demonstrations.
Clashes between police and protesters occurred in Barcelona and Madrid.
Madrid authorities estimated approximately 120,000 participants.
Barcelona police estimated 55,000 demonstrators, while organisers claimed 400,000.
Trade unions estimated strike participation at around four million workers.
In Barcelona, some protesters set furniture and other objects on fire after the main demonstration had ended. Groups of demonstrators also threw fireworks and other objects towards police officers.
In Madrid, riot police used tear gas, pepper spray and foam projectiles to disperse protesters around Plaza de España as tensions increased during the evening.
Most demonstrations across the country remained peaceful during the day, although industrial action and transport disruptions affected several sectors.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Spain's housing crisis has become a major social and political concern. Rising rents and limited housing availability are making independent living increasingly difficult for younger people and lower-income households. The demonstrations underline demands for stronger tenant protections and measures to increase affordable housing.
Large Demonstrations in Madrid and Barcelona
In Madrid, approximately 120,000 people participated in a demonstration despite heavy rainfall, according to government authorities.
In Barcelona, attendance estimates differed considerably. Police put the number of participants at approximately 55,000, while organisers claimed that around 400,000 people had joined the demonstration.
Trade unions estimated that around four million workers participated in the nationwide strike. However, participation varied across regions and industries, with stronger support in ports and automotive manufacturing.
The strike affected transport, factories, shops and other workplaces, highlighting growing public dissatisfaction with housing affordability.
Housing Crisis Fuels Public Anger
At the centre of the demonstrations was Spain's worsening housing affordability crisis.
The country faces a housing deficit of approximately 750,000 homes, according to estimates attributed to the central bank. The shortage is expected to exceed one million homes by 2028 if current trends continue.
Rising rental costs have placed particular pressure on younger people. According to Spain's Youth Council, the average monthly rent of approximately €1,176 represents nearly 98.7 per cent of an average young person's monthly salary.
The eviction and subsequent death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal in Madrid also became a prominent focus of public anger. She was evicted from her apartment on September 23 after living there for approximately 70 years. She later died following hospitalisation, becoming a symbol of concerns over eviction protections and housing insecurity.
Police Report Arrests as Election Approaches
Police initially reported 73 arrests nationwide by Wednesday evening. Subsequent reporting put the total at 115 arrests, reflecting an updated figure.
The demonstrations took place ahead of Spain's November 29, 2026 general election.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the snap election after parliament rejected government housing measures aimed at addressing eviction protections and rental pressures. Housing affordability has since become a major issue in the country's political debate.
Business representatives questioned the effectiveness of the strike, arguing that increasing housing construction and reducing development costs would be important steps towards addressing the shortage.
The demonstrations have highlighted the growing challenge of housing affordability in Spain, with workers and campaigners demanding greater access to affordable homes and stronger protection for tenants.
