Photos: Protests Erupt in Spain Over Housing Costs Amid Pre‑Election Tensions

Published On 12 Nov 202612 Nov 2026

Clashes erupted sporadically in Madrid and Barcelona following nationwide protests concerning housing affordability and disposable income, occurring weeks before an early general election.

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators participated on Wednesday in Spain’s inaugural 24‑hour nationwide strike since 2012.

Authorities estimate that roughly 120,000 people marched through Madrid and over 50,000 gathered in Barcelona.

In both Madrid and Barcelona, groups of hooded and masked demonstrators threw projectiles at police and ignited fires, while police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Police reported at least 73 arrests across the country by 21:00 GMT on Wednesday, stemming from 1,044 incidents linked to the general strike, which included blockades of offices and industrial sites and the burning of trash containers.

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