Workers across Spain stage first general strike in 14 years

Millions of workers across Spain are striking to demand government action over the country’s housing crisis, less than three weeks before a national election that could bring the far right to power. The 24-hour walkout, which began at midnight on Wednesday, disrupted public transport and forced businesses, factories and shops to scale back operations or close entirely across the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy.

It’s Spain’s first general strike in 14 years. Minor incidents were reported in the first hours, including roadblocks with burning tyres in Barcelona, the second-largest city in the country.

There were also scuffles between picketers and police near the country’s main wholesale market on the outskirts of the capital, Madrid. The CEOE organisation, which represents business leaders, said in a statement that the impact varied by region and area of work, with a “low participation” in most sectors.