Politics · Spain · 2 hrs ago
Spain housing protests end in clashes in Barcelona
People across Spain held protests against rising rents and housing shortages at the end of a general strike.
In Barcelona, police said 55,000 people took part in the demonstration.
After the official event ended, masked far-right protesters smashed shop windows, set bins on fire and threw objects at police, who used batons.
The strike disrupted parts of public life and the economy, but unions and employers disagreed over how many people took part.
The protests were sparked by the September eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her home in Madrid.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez failed to tighten renter protections in parliament and called a snap election for November 29; polls suggest conservative and far-right parties could win a majority.
Clashes broke out in central Barcelona on 11 November after a largely peaceful mass protest against Spain’s housing crisis.
Masked groups threw stones, bottles and fireworks at police, set fires and smashed shop windows.
Police used crowd-control projectiles and batons, and 18 people were arrested during the unrest, bringing the day’s total to 20.
The protest took place during Spain’s first 24-hour general strike since 2012.
Police estimated that 55,000 people joined the Barcelona demonstration, while organisers gave a higher estimate.
- Who
- Protesters, including masked groups, clashed with Catalonia’s Mossos d'Esquadra police. Bild described the groups as far-right extremists.
- What
- Clashes and property damage followed a largely peaceful protest against the housing crisis.
- When
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026; the clashes began shortly after 7:30 pm.
- Where
- Central Barcelona, including areas near Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya.
- Why
- The demonstration was against rising rents and housing shortages, and took place during a general strike.
CCOO and other trade unions
CEOE employers' association
Strike participation
CCOO and other trade unions
CCOO called the strike a full success and said it exceeded expectations.
CEOE employers' association
CEOE described participation as minimal, at a single-digit percentage.
The eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home was identified as the trigger for protests against rising rents and housing shortages.
A 24-hour general strike and mass demonstrations took place across Spain, including in Barcelona.
Groups of masked protesters began throwing objects at police near Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya.
Police dispersed groups as clashes and fires spread towards Las Ramblas; 18 people were arrested during the unrest.
- Barcelona police estimate
- 55,000 participants
- Barcelona organisers' estimate
- Close to 400,000 participants
- Arrests during unrest
- 18; the day's total reached 20
- General strike
- Spain’s first 24-hour general strike since 2012
- Snap election
- 29 November 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
The general strike is a full success, exceeding our expectations.
minimal