Spain prepares unprecedented general strike over housing crisis
Mass protests organized by the Sindicato de Inquilinas have led Spain's major trade unions to call a nationwide general strike demanding action on the housing emergency.
Spain is on the brink of a nationwide general strike, the largest since 2012, sparked by a surge of discontent over soaring rents and evictions. The catalyst was the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal Martín, which galvanized the Sindicato de Inquilinas to demand a broader protest. Major labor confederations CCOO and UGT have pledged support, joining forces with regional and sectoral unions such as CGT, Cobas, and ELA.
The strike is being staged amid Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's decision to call early elections, adding a political dimension that business representatives criticize as illegal. Organizers contend that the crisis implicates the government, regional authorities, landlords, and the broader economic elite, and they view the strike as an offensive strategy to force substantive housing reforms. Preparations include local assemblies, workplace meetings, and outreach to students and community groups to broaden participation.
Why it matters
The strike could pressure policymakers to address Spain's severe housing affordability problem.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 Polls show PSOE slipping below 26% as opposition parties surge ahead
- Oct 2 Feijóo held a press conference after two housing decrees were rejected, blaming Sánchez for the lack of parliamentary support and urging a vote to let citizens decide. He criticized the use of housing issues for electoral tactics and called for the prime minister to address the nation directly. The PP leader argued that the government no longer has backing from either the Cortes or the public.
- Oct 4 Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is contemplating calling a snap election after the PP, Vox and Junts blocked housing-crisis decrees, prompting massive protests in Madrid.
- Oct 5 Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will speak at 9 a.m. on Monday from Moncloa to reveal his stance on an early election, after cancelling his morning agenda and that of several ministers.
- Oct 5 Speculation has grown that Sánchez may call a snap election following a weekend reflection period.
- Oct 5 Widespread demonstrations in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga have intensified a long-standing housing crisis, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call early elections.
- Oct 5 Sánchez announced a snap parliamentary election for 29 November.
- Oct 5 The CCOO and UGT unions have agreed to call a 24-hour general strike aimed at securing livable wages that enable access to adequate housing.
- Oct 5 The latest poll aggregation shows the People's Party at 33% and Vox at 18%, widening the lead over the PSOE.
- Oct 6 Sánchez dissolved the Cortes and set a date for a snap election.
- Oct 6 Unions have moved from announcing intent to reaching an agreement that still needs internal approval.
- Oct 6 Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap election.
- Oct 7 Unions have said the strike will take place shortly before the snap election campaign, but the exact date remains under discussion.
- Oct 8 The Sánchez government delivered two housing decree‑laws to the Permanent Deputation for review.
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