The walkout marks Spain’s first general strike since 2012, when workers protested against austerity measures during the euro zone debt crisis.
A nationwide general strike in Spain over the country’s worsening housing crisis witnessed violent scenes in parts of the country on Wednesday, with protesters clashing with police and setting fires in Barcelona.
Tensions also escalated in Madrid, where riot police deployed tear gas, pepper spray and foam bullets to disperse demonstrators.
The strike, backed by the country’s two largest labour unions, was largely peaceful during the day, with around four million workers participating, according to union estimates.
However, confrontations broke out in Barcelona and Madrid by the evening, after large demonstrations were held across several Spanish cities.
Protesters Clash With Police
In Barcelona, clashes erupted between police and groups of protesters after the main march had concluded. According to Reuters, furniture placed on the streets was set ablaze amid the unrest.
In Madrid, riot police resorted to foam bullets, tear gas and pepper spray to disperse demonstrators gathered around the central Plaza de España, a Reuters witness reported.
Police recorded at least 73 arrests across the country by 2100 GMT, following 1,044 incidents connected to the strike. These included blockades outside offices and industrial estates, as well as the burning of rubbish containers.
The walkout marks Spain’s first general strike since 2012, when workers protested against austerity measures during the euro zone debt crisis.
The latest mobilisation has brought together the General Union of Workers (UGT), the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) and tenants’ associations protesting against soaring rents and evictions.
