Spain braces for nationwide strike as anger over housing, costs boils over

Spain is bracing for a nationwide general strike over soaring rents and the cost of living, as a deepening housing crisis fuels social unrest weeks before a crucial election . The 24-hour walkout due to begin at midnight on Wednesday was called by Spain’s two biggest unions – the Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) and Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) – under their slogan: wages, housing, prices. The last time the pair called a general strike was in 2012 when the country was engulfed in an austerity crisis.

The protest will disrupt transport, schools, healthcare and other public services across Spain. Flight cancellations and delays are also expected, while public transport in major cities will operate at reduced capacity. Schools, hospitals, shops and other services could also face closures or reduced staffing, although minimum services will be maintained in essential sectors.

The action follows the September eviction of an 87-year-old, who has since passed away, from her home in Madrid, after her corporate landlord increased the rent.