Pratik AgrawalThe Spain general strike brought police clashes, road blockades and street unrest. Protesters demanded action on housing, wages and living costs just weeks before the early election.
At least 100 people were detained in several Spanish regions during the Spain general strike. The day brought clashes with police, blocked roads and street unrest.
Why Workers Took to the Streets
The 24 hour walkout began in Spain on Wednesday. Organizers demanded action to solve the housing crisis. They also called for higher wages and a limit on rising living costs.
Barcelona Sees the Worst Unrest
“The Catalan capital has once again been gripped by unrest: shop windows were smashed, and there were clashes with Catalan police. In total, around one hundred people were detained across Spain over the day,” the publication writes.
Barcelona recorded the most arrests. At least 50 people were detained there. After the rally in the city centre ended, rioters smashed shops. They set fire to containers and barricades and launched fireworks. They also hurled paving stones and pieces of city infrastructure at Catalan police officers.
Madrid and the Basque Country Join In
Police detained another 15 people in Madrid and 16 in the Basque Country. In the Spanish capital, demonstrators repeatedly blocked traffic. This included Gran Via and several major roads. In the Basque Country, seven regional police officers needed medical help after protesters pelted them with various objects.
Arrests Spread to Other Cities
Five people were detained in Valencia. Malaga and Almeria had four arrests each. Granada had three, and Zamora had two. Officers also recorded one detention each in Navarre, Valladolid, La Rioja, Alicante, Castellon and A Coruna.
Strike Lands Just Before the Election
The Spain general strike took place less than three weeks before early parliamentary elections on November 29. It also came only two days before the official start of the election campaign.
Aditya Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta
Akshay Didwaniya
