Millions join Spain’s first general strike in 14 years over housing costs
A 24-hour stoppage halted transport, ports and factories across Spain on Wednesday. Tenants' groups said about 4 million people had joined by midday, weeks before a November 29 snap election.
Spain held its first general strike in 14 years on Wednesday, with housing at its core. Tenants' associations called the nationwide 24-hour stoppage, and workers' unions later backed it, the Guardian reported. The Confederation of Tenants' Association called the strike a success. It said about 4 million people had taken part by midday. Unions reported 90% participation in the automotive and port sectors and 82% in waste collection, according to the Guardian. They said support was uneven across the country. It was strongest in coastal regions such as Catalonia and Andalucía. In Barcelona, workers set up roadblocks, some with burning tyres, and public transport came close to a standstill. The AP-7 motorway was blocked in both directions. In Madrid, pickets and police scuffled near the main wholesale market. Government officials said more than 40 people were arrested over minor incidents. The numbers behind the anger are stark. Renting a one-bedroom flat in central Madrid costs about three-quarters of the average salary, Semafor reported. Spain's youth council says a young person would need 98.7% of their monthly salary to rent alone, Al Jazeera reported. According to the Guardian, rents have risen 80% in a decade and home prices 63%. The Bank of Spain says 750,000 new homes are needed,…
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