Spaniards shut down country over high housing prices

On November 11, 2026, millions of workers across Spain staged the country’s first general strike in 14 years, protesting the housing crisis that includes soaring rents and a shortage of 750,000 homes. The strike, organized by unions UGT and CCOO, coincides with stormy weather but saw widespread participation, impacting public transport and factories nationwide. The protest aims to pressure the government into implementing policies addressing housing affordability less than three weeks before a snap national election on November 29, which could see the far right gain power. The death of 87-year-old Maricarmen, evicted due to a fivefold rent increase, has become symbolic of the crisis and fueled public outrage.