Transport networks and public services across Spain faced major disruptions on Wednesday as the country experienced its first general strike in 14 years, called by major trade unions over housing concerns and the rising cost of living, the BBC reported.
Demonstrations took place across the country, including in Madrid and Barcelona, where tens of thousands of people joined evening marches.
The strike comes just weeks ahead of Spain’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 29.
UGT trade union leader Pepe Álvarez described the strike as a success, claiming participation had been “massive”. Meanwhile, Unai Sordo, head of the CC OO union, said turnout had been “very significant”.
However, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations offered a different assessment, describing participation as “low and uneven” across different regions and economic sectors.
Some of the most significant disruptions were reported in Madrid’s main industrial areas and in the northeastern region of Catalonia, where traffic was brought to a standstill on several major roads.
Spain’s Interior Ministry reported that dozens of people had been arrested in connection with various incidents. Reports from the country also indicated that offices belonging to real estate agencies had been targeted in attacks.
