The first general strike in 14 years has been held in Spain due to rising housing rents, the cost of living, and wage demands. It was reported that more than 50 people were detained during demonstrations held in numerous cities across the country.
According to information provided to the press by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, the National Police and Guardia Civil teams recorded 919 incidents nationwide by 5:00 PM local time due to the strike. Detentions occurred in the regions of Rioja and Navarra, as well as in Barcelona, Madrid, San Sebastian, Vitoria, Malaga, Almeria, Granada, Zamora, Valencia, Valladolid, and Alicante.
According to reports in the Spanish press, at least 25 people were injured in clashes between police and protesters. Actions such as road closures and blockades of market and port entrances were prominent in the Catalonia, Madrid, Basque, and Andalusia regions.
The strike was particularly effective in the transport, health, and industrial sectors. Sector officials announced that 332 flights were canceled nationwide, 24 percent of long-distance train services could not be operated, and there were serious disruptions on commuter lines.
Eight unions, including the General Union of Workers (UGT), Workers' Commissions (CCOO), and the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), reported that participation in the strike was high, especially in Catalonia. The unions are demanding solutions to the housing crisis and wage increases.
The UGT and CCOO stated that participation increased in coastal regions such as Cantabria, Catalonia, and Andalusia, where the housing problem is felt more acutely; work stopped at the Seat factory in Martorell and the Volkswagen factory in Navarra. It was also stated that broadcasting could not take place on the regional television channel of Andalusia, Canal Sur, due to the strike.
Alicia del Rio, spokesperson for the Madrid Tenants' Union, said in a statement, “It is a historic day. Hundreds of people are demonstrating in the streets in all cities today. They are calling for the right to housing and reasonable wages despite the cost of living. These demands are against all governments, employers, and rent-seekers, and no government can stand against the power of the people.”
Within the scope of the strike, demonstrations were held with 120,000 participants in Madrid and 50,000 in Barcelona. Mass actions were also held throughout the day in other major cities of the country.
Simultaneously with the strike in Spain, a solidarity march was held in the Italian city of Milan. Protesters protested rising rents and evictions, reiterating their demand for the right to housing.
News Source: 12punto
