Spain Faces First General Strike in 14 Years Amid Housing Crisis and Upcoming Election

Millions of workers in Spain walked off the job on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, marking the country's first nationwide general strike in 14 years. The 24-hour protest aims to pressure the government over a severe housing crisis just weeks before a national election that could bring the far right to power.

Work Stoppages

The strike caused delays in public transport and the closure of businesses, factories, and shops across the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Minor incidents occurred in the early hours, including roadblocks with burning tires in Barcelona and scuffles between picketers and police near Madrid's main wholesale market. Striking workers also set off fireworks at midnight in Barcelona public squares. The main unions, UGT and CCOO, reported high participation in strategic sectors, including 90 percent in automotive and ports, 85 percent in the meat industry, 82 percent in waste collection, and 75 percent in energy.

Demands

The official slogan for the walkout is "Salaries. Housing. Prices." Average rent in Spain has nearly doubled over the past decade. Public anger peaked last month following the televised eviction and subsequent death of an 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen in Madrid. Housing activists and unions are demanding the elimination of tourist apartments, a crackdown on real estate speculation, automatic lease renewals for renters, and a new minimum wage agreement.

Political Impact

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the election for October 5 after right-wing parties in Parliament blocked emergency housing decrees. Sánchez's campaign has also been strained by a high-speed train collision that killed 69 people. Political science professor Oriol Bartomeus noted that the strike offers an opportunity for Sánchez's Socialists to shift campaign focus back to housing. Meanwhile, conservative and far-right parties argue the strike is a political tool to help Sánchez, with Popular Party spokesperson Miguel Tellado calling it an electoral strike rather than a general one.

Context

General strikes are rare and powerful tools used by labor unions to halt economic activity and demand major policy changes from the government. In European politics, high-stakes industrial action often intertwines with electoral campaigns, directly pressuring leaders on cost-of-living issues. The outcome of this strike could influence voter turnout and policy debates in the final weeks leading up to Spain's national vote.