Workers across Spain downed tools on Wednesday in the country’s first nationwide general strike in 14 years, as anger over soaring rents and a deepening housing shortage brought picket lines, marches and shuttered factories to cities across the country, just weeks before a snap general election.
FAKTA
- What: a 24-hour nationwide general strike across Spain.
- When: Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
- Called by: Spain’s two largest unions, UGT and CCOO, together with tenants’ associations.
- At issue: rising rents, a shortage of homes and evictions.
- Housing gap: about 750,000 homes short, rising to more than one million by 2028, according to the Bank of Spain.
- Average rent: €1,176 a month, about 98.7% of an average young person’s monthly pay.
A country priced out of a home
Spain’s housing shortage has become one of the most pressing worries for millions of residents. With home ownership out of reach for many, more people rent, and rising demand has pushed prices to record levels. The average monthly rent now stands at €1,176, which the Youth Council of Spain says is equal to about 98.7% of an average young person’s monthly salary.
The Bank of Spain puts the deficit at around 750,000 homes, expected to pass one million by 2028. Protesters say ordinary workers can no longer afford a roof over their heads, and demand affordable homes and stronger protection against evictions.
Picket lines, closed factories and storms
Unions reported strong turnout in several major industries. Early turnout reached 90% at ports and car plants, with production halted at Volkswagen’s Navarre factory and SEAT’s Barcelona plant. The meat industry recorded 85%, waste collection 82% and energy 75%, while healthcare and social services saw 38% and the postal service around 35%.
Storms Charles and Bruna threatened afternoon marches, with weather alerts across 14 regions. In Madrid, tensions flared outside the Mercamadrid wholesale market, where union officials said police used pepper spray on picketers. One person was arrested and 13 needed medical attention; police confirmed the arrest but not the pepper spray claim. Train drivers held a separate walkout on Tuesday over safety, after two deadly train crashes in Spain this year.
Weeks before voters decide
Public anger sharpened after an 87-year-old woman died following an eviction from her home in Madrid. Last month, parliament rejected government measures designed to control rents and limit evictions. The pressure led Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call a snap election for 29 November, with his Socialist Party trailing in opinion polls. Protesters also blame his government for failing to ease the crisis.
Union leaders say the crisis needs urgent action from every level of government. They argue homes should serve residents, not investors seeking higher returns. The stoppage has placed affordable housing at the centre of Spain’s political debate. More coverage of events across the continent is available on Watan News Europe.
