Clashes erupt in Barcelona following nationwide general strike in Spain

Clashes broke out between masked protesters and riot police in Barcelona on Wednesday 11 November following a general strike over housing costs and the high cost of living. Euronews reported that masked protesters began throwing stones, bottles, and fireworks at police shortly after 7.30 pm near Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya. The BBC reported that police responded by firing tear gas after protesters set fire to rubbish bins and smashed shop windows. [1][4][5]

Euronews and the BBC both reported that the initial demonstration in Barcelona followed a general strike called by the main trade unions of the country. According to the BBC, more than 50,000 people turned out to demonstrate in Barcelona, while some 120,000 people joined a demonstration in the capital Madrid. Public services and transport across Spain were impacted by the strike actions. [1][4]

The BBC and the South China Morning Post both reported that the action was the first general strike in Spain in 14 years. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Spanish workers launched the nationwide strike over soaring rents, housing shortages, and purchasing power just weeks before a snap general election scheduled for 29 November. [4][6][8][15]

The events in Spain follow broader regional turmoil. Mass protest movements arose across Southern and Western Europe starting in September 2026, driven largely by young people responding to a cost-of-living crisis. SafeAbroad reported that further deployment of law enforcement and potential escalation are expected in Madrid and Barcelona for the duration of the strike. [9][11]