Spain's main unions, UGT and CCOO, have called a general strike for November 11 to pressure the government over housing and wages. The strike comes ahead of a snap general election on November 29, initially scheduled for 2027. The unions are demanding better salaries, decent housing, and price controls amid rising inflation. They denounce corporate policies that benefit from economic growth while wages stagnate.
The housing crisis in Spain has been a dominant issue in politics since the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her lifelong home in Madrid. Her eviction sparked nationwide protests, and her death on Wednesday has further fueled public outcry. The Socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, had presented decrees to restrict evictions and renew tenant contracts, but they were voted down by the conservative and far-right opposition.
Sanchez has accused the main conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox of siding with speculators and large investment funds by rejecting his housing measures. The opposition, however, claims Sanchez is to blame for not improving the situation during his eight years in office. The housing market has become out of reach for many Spaniards, with hundreds pitching tents in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square and tens of thousands demonstrating nationwide.
The Madrid Tenants' Union has described Abascal's eviction as a "turning point in the history of this country." The union has spearheaded pressure on Spain's political class to reform the housing market. Sanchez has presented new housing decrees that may have more chances of approval in a special parliamentary council. The decrees aim to address the housing crisis, but their effectiveness remains to be seen.
Spanish inflation hit 4.9 percent in September, its highest level since February 2023. The government has responded with new gas price caps and fuel discounts to shield consumers. However, the unions argue that these measures are insufficient to address the root causes of the housing crisis and stagnant wages. They are urging the population to mobilize for better living conditions.
The general strike on November 11 is expected to have significant disruptions across the country. The unions are calling for widespread participation to demonstrate the public's discontent with the current state of housing and wages. The strike comes as Sanchez's government is trailing in most polls, and the opposition is seeking to capitalize on the government's perceived weaknesses.
The outcome of the general strike and the subsequent election on November 29 will have significant implications for Spain's future. The country's housing crisis and wage stagnation are critical issues that require urgent attention. The government's response to these challenges will likely shape the country's economic and social landscape in the years to come.
Key points
- Spanish unions call for November 11 general strike over housing and wages ahead of snap election
- The housing crisis in Spain has sparked nationwide protests and public outcry
- The general strike aims to pressure the government to address stagnant wages and housing affordability
