Spain prepares for nationwide general strike over housing costs ahead of election
Spain's two largest unions have called a 24-hour strike on Wednesday to protest rising rents and living costs, a move that could shape the political debate before the snap election.
Spain's two biggest trade unions, Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) and Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT), have announced a 24-hour general strike set to begin at midnight on Wednesday. The walkout, organized under the slogan “wages, housing, prices,” aims to highlight soaring rents and the broader cost-of-living crisis that has intensified in the weeks leading up to the snap election scheduled for November 29.
Public services, including transport, schools and health care, are expected to operate at reduced capacity, with possible flight cancellations and delays. Minimum services will be maintained in essential sectors, but closures or staffing cuts may affect schools, hospitals and shops.
The strike follows a high-profile eviction in Madrid of an 87-year-old tenant after a corporate landlord raised the rent, an incident that sparked nationwide protests and contributed to the decision to call early elections. Political analyst Luke Stobart said the timing could force housing to remain a central issue in the electoral debate.
According to the Bank of Spain, the country lacks about 750,000 homes, a shortfall that could exceed one million by 2028. Data from the Spanish Youth Council show average rents of €1,176 per month, roughly equal to the average salary of young workers, leading many to live in overcrowded flats or with family.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, while not explicitly endorsing the strike, praised collective action in a video message, citing past achievements such as the eight-hour workday and public healthcare. His Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has seen declining support amid criticism over migration policy and corruption scandals.
Opposition parties, including the conservative Popular Party (PP) and far-right Vox, have described the strike as politically motivated and have criticized its timing, which follows a state funeral for victims of a recent deadly train crash. The crash, which killed 69 people, led to the resignation of Transport Minister Óscar Puente.
Stobart noted that various left-leaning groups, such as Basque unions ELA and LAB, Galicia’s CIG, and the CGT, are also voicing criticism of government handling of housing speculation, adding complexity to the narrative surrounding the strike.