Millions join Spain's first general strike in 14 years as anger over housing leads to clashes
Four million Spanish workers, around one-fifth of the total workforce, participated in a general strike against the country's housing crisis on Wednesday, with unions reporting mostly peaceful demonstrations that later turned violent in Barcelona and Madrid.
The strike marks the first nationwide work stoppage since 2012, when workers protested austerity measures during the euro zone debt crisis. Unions reported that while most demonstrations were peaceful throughout the day, tensions escalated by evening in some areas of Barcelona and Madrid.
Housing crisis
The strike was organized specifically to address Spain's severe housing crisis, which has made homeownership increasingly unattainable for many citizens. The large turnout demonstrates the depth of public concern over the issue.
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