General strike over housing brings out hundreds of thousands in Spain

The strike was triggered by a peaceful march in Barcelona addressing soaring rents, property prices, and the rising cost of living. However, the demonstrations later escalated as protesters smashed storefronts, set small bonfires, burned bins, and launched fireworks towards police.

Political context

The unrest comes just weeks before snap elections called by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The general strike marks the first such nationwide work stoppage in Spain in 14 years, highlighting growing public discontent over economic issues.