Spain general strike disrupts transport as protests turn violent in Barcelona

Public transport services were disrupted across Spain on Wednesday (11 November) as millions of workers participated in the country’s first general strike in 14 years, with violent clashes breaking out between demonstrators and police in Barcelona.

The nationwide industrial action, organised by Spain’s two largest trade unions, the General Union of Workers (UGT) and Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), was called in response to rising housing costs, evictions, and wider cost-of-living pressures.

More than 55,000 people joined demonstrations in Barcelona, while an estimated 120,000 gathered in Madrid, according to officials.

Although much of the protest activity was peaceful, clashes broke out in Barcelona, where rubbish bins were set alight and shop windows were smashed. Fires were also reported around Las Ramblas, a popular tourist area, as tensions escalated between demonstrators and police.

Police deployed riot-control measures, including tear gas, while authorities reported dozens of arrests nationwide.

The strike also resulted in temporary business closures and disruption to public transport, although participation varied across the country.

The disruption affected movement through major urban centres, including Madrid and Barcelona, highlighting potential difficulties for travellers relying on local transport services.

The protests follow weeks of public anger over housing affordability, intensified by the eviction and subsequent death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal in Madrid.

The industrial action follows further disruption to Spain’s rail network after a fatal high-speed train collision near Urda, in Toledo province.

Train drivers staged a separate strike on 10 November over railway safety concerns, with further action planned for 17 and 23 November.

The disruption follows recent unrest elsewhere in Europe, including protests in France that prompted closures and raised concerns about further travel disruption.