Spain housing crisis prompts first general strike in 14 years as election nears
Strike amid election debate
Workers from nearly every industry took part in demonstrations and picket lines across Spain on Wednesday, despite stormy weather in some areas. The strike is the first general stoppage in the country in 14 years.
The housing shortage and rising living costs have become central political concerns ahead of the November 29 election. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the early vote after opposition parties blocked his government’s proposed legislation to improve renters’ circumstances.
A widening housing shortfall
Spain has an estimated shortage of about 750,000 homes, a figure the central bank expects to rise above one million by 2028. As fewer people can afford to buy homes, renting has become more common.
Spain’s youth council puts average rent at €1,176, or $1,315. That amount equals 99% of the average salary for a young person, according to the council.
Protests and other concerns
The eviction and death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal in Madrid earlier this year became a symbol of the housing crisis. Alicia del Rio, a spokesperson for the Madrid Tenants’ Union, said the group would keep pushing to change the housing system so homes serve residents rather than landlords.
Most demonstrations appeared peaceful, but strikers outside Madrid’s Mercamadrid wholesale market said police used pepper spray. At least 13 people sought medical attention, according to the report. The general strike followed a walkout by rail workers over two deadly train crashes this year. Concerns about aging infrastructure are also expected to feature in the parliamentary election debate.
Key points
- Wednesday’s action was Spain’s first general strike in 14 years.
- The central bank estimates the housing deficit could exceed one million homes by 2028.
- Average rent is €1,176, equivalent to 99% of the average young person’s salary.
- At least 13 people sought medical attention after reported pepper-spray use outside Mercamadrid.