Spaniards strike en masse over housing and cost of living prices

Spaniards have engaged in massive nationwide strikes organized by the country's two largest labor unions to protest soaring housing costs and the rising expense of living. Participation varied significantly across different sectors and regions, with significant disruptions reported in Madrid and Catalonia, including blocked roads and paralyzed public transportation services. Police made dozens of arrests as thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against economic pressures that have left many citizens struggling to keep pace with inflation.

Public anger has been fueled by a widening gap between stagnant wages and rapidly increasing rent prices, with housing costs consuming nearly half of the average monthly salary. The crisis recently gained national attention following the eviction and subsequent death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was forced from her home of seven decades due to a sudden rent increase. The unrest comes shortly before the November 29 parliamentary elections, creating a sharp political divide between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who supports the protesters, and conservative opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo.