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Spain general strike: Thousands gather in Madrid to protest

BBC News •
November 11, 2026 • 04:12 PM
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Thousands are protesting across Spain over housing and the high cost of living.

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Transport and other public services across Spain have faced serious disruption on Wednesday in the nation's first general strike in 14 years.

The main unions called the strike over housing and the high cost of living, with demonstrations planned across the country.

It comes nearly two weeks before Spain's parliamentary elections, which will be held on 29 November.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called snap elections last month after parliament failed to approve his plan for housing reform.

The BBC's Nick Beake reports from the protest in Madrid.

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Thousands joined largely orderly demonstrations earlier in the day, before violence erupted in Frankfurt, Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg.

More than 320,000 people demonstrated across France against the rising cost of living and poor public services, with clashes between some protesters and police.

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Ukraine correspondent Dan Johnson explains the temporary ceasefire in the devastated town of Oleshky.

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The BBC's Europe correspondent reports from Paris where mostly peaceful protests turned into unrest after nightfall.

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Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 6 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

6 Publications
CNN International
1d ago
Protesters clash with police during Spain’s first nationwide walkout since 2012 | CNN

Protesters clash with police during Spain’s first nationwide walkout since 2012 | CNN

Workers faced off with police during Spain’s first nationwide strike since 2012, held amid a housing crisis and less than three weeks before a snap election.

#spain #protest #election
Compare →
The Australian Financial Review (AFR)
1d ago
Violence breaks out as Spaniards strike, protest housing costs

Violence breaks out as Spaniards strike, protest housing costs

Police forces reported at least 73 arrests nationwide from at least 1044 incidents linked to the general strike, including blockades of businesses.

#spain #madrid #protest
Compare →
Al Jazeera English
1d ago
Spain approves housing reforms after nationwide strike over costs

Spain approves housing reforms after nationwide strike over costs

Spanish parliament passes new laws limiting evictions but their duration depends on the upcoming snap election outcome.

#spain #election #strike
Compare →
SBS News Australia
1d ago
Millions stage first general strike in Spain in 14 years amid anger over housing

Millions stage first general strike in Spain in 14 years amid anger over housing

The general strike over housing affordability and purchasing power took place just weeks before an early general election.

#spain #election #strike
Compare →
ABC News Australia
1d ago
Four million stage general strike in Spain over national housing crisis

Four million stage general strike in Spain over national housing crisis

It is the first general strike in Spain since 2012, and comes as voter anger grows over rising rents and evictions.

#spain #election #strike
Compare →
The Guardian
12h ago
As housing protests sweep Portugal, police and politicians here seem bent on making the crisis worse | Ana Naomi de Sousa

As housing protests sweep Portugal, police and politicians here seem bent on making the crisis worse | Ana Naomi de Sousa

While Spain, Germany and the UK have all introduced laws protecting renters’ rights, Luís Montenegro’s centre-right government is empowering landlords, says documentary filmmaker and journalist Ana Naomi de Sousa

#spain #protest
Compare →

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