Spain: Clashes erupt in Barcelona after peaceful general strike march

Shortly after 7.30 pm on Wednesday 11 November, masked protesters began throwing stones, bottles and fireworks at police near Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya. Rubbish bins and street furniture were set alight, creating burning barricades, while shop windows were smashed and stores reportedly looted.

Footage shows flames engulfing barricades as protesters confronted riot police, who responded with crowd-control projectiles and baton charges. Catalonia's Mossos d'Esquadra police moved to disperse the groups as disturbances spread towards Las Ramblas.

Strike Turned Violent

Violent clashes broke out after an otherwise peaceful mass demonstration, when small groups of masked youths broke away from the main crowd. Municipal police estimated that more than 55,000 people had taken part, while organisers put the figure closer to 400,000.

National Strike Context

The unrest unfolded during Spain's first 24-hour general strike since 2012, a nationwide stoppage trade unions claim mobilised around four million workers. The protest mirrors broader social discontent over housing affordability, stagnant wages, and inflation across Europe.

Coming less than three weeks before the 29 November snap election, the unrest places immense political pressure on the government. Eighteen people were arrested during the unrest, bringing the day's total to 20.