For the first time in 14 years, millions of Spanish workers are striking across the country Wednesday to demand action on a major housing crisis and the rising cost of living. The expected disruptions to public transport and the widespread closure of businesses come less than three weeks before a snap election that could bring the far right to power.
Millions of Spain’s workers are striking Wednesday to demand that the government remedy the nation’s housing crisis less than three weeks before a national election that could catapult the far right to power.
Spain’s first general strike in 14 years is expected to cause delays to the widely used public transport system and lead to the slowdown or shuttering of businesses, factories and shops across the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy.
Minor incidents were reported in the first hours, including roadblocks – some of them with burning tires – in Barcelona, the second-largest city in the country, and scuffles between picketers and police near the country’s main wholesale market on the outskirts of the capital, Madrid. Striking workers set off fireworks on the stroke of midnight as they gathered in public squares in Barcelona.
The two main unions calling for the strike, UGT and CCOO, reported widespread participation in the early hours “with significant work stoppages in strategic sectors”
