Millions of Spanish workers strike over housing crisis just weeks before snap election

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A general strike took place on Wednesday, with millions taking to the streets to protest

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Around four million workers across Spain joined a general strike on Wednesday, trade unions said, braving severe weather conditions to establish picket lines in protest against the nation's housing affordability crisis less than three weeks ahead of a snap general election.

The demonstration represents Spain's first general strike since employees walked out in 2012 over austerity measures implemented during the euro zone debt crisis. Supported by the country's two largest trade unions, UGT and CCOO, which represent more than one million workers, the strike has also drawn support from tenants' associations resisting rent increases and forced evictions.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is seeking to turn widespread voter anger over housing to his advantage ahead of the November 29 election, aiming to divert public attention away from corruption cases involving his inner circle and a deadly train crash last month. His Socialist Party currently remains behind in opinion polls.

Unions described the walkout as a success despite varying levels of participation nationwide, with turnout highest in coastal areas where property pressures are particularly severe.

Along Madrid's Gran Via, one of the capital's main shopping avenues, crowds of demonstrators cheered as retail chains including Primark, H&M and Pull & Bear lowered their shutters under the watch of a heavy riot police presence.

"We're going to close the Mango store," protesters chanted as they jangled sets of house keys above their heads.

Numerous shops in Barcelona were also closed and boarded up in preparation for potential disorder.

Spain currently faces a deficit of approximately 750,000 homes, a shortage expected to exceed one million by 2028, according to the central bank.

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