Spain Gripped by Housing Protests: Clashes Erupt Between Demonstrators and Police

Sporadic clashes erupted in Madrid and Barcelona following nationwide protests across Spain concerning housing affordability and purchasing power. These demonstrations occurred just weeks before an early general election.

Hundreds of thousands participated in Spain's first nationwide 24-hour strike since 2012. Authorities reported approximately 120,000 demonstrators in the capital, Madrid, and over 50,000 in Barcelona. In both cities, groups of masked protesters hurled projectiles at police and started fires. Police responded by deploying rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

By 21:00 GMT on Wednesday, police forces documented at least 73 arrests nationwide. These arrests were linked to at least 1,044 incidents associated with the general strike, which included the blockade of offices and industrial estates, as well as the burning of rubbish containers. Catalan regional police were observed moving in to disperse protesters in Barcelona.

Unions declared the strike a success, despite uneven participation across different regions of Spain. On Madrid's Gran Via, a major shopping street, protesters cheered as stores closed their shutters under a heavy riot police presence. Demonstrations also took place in Malaga, southern Spain, with one protester seen carrying a mannequin after stores were looted following demonstrations in Barcelona. Protesters were also seen attempting to block a street in downtown Madrid.