Madrid, 13 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Thousands of people took to the streets across Spain during the country’s first nationwide general strike in 14 years, protesting the worsening housing crisis and rising cost of living, while clashes between demonstrators and police were reported in Barcelona. According to international media reports, around 120,000 people joined demonstrations in Madrid, while more than 50,000 gathered in Barcelona following calls by labour unions. Tensions escalated in central Barcelona as masked protesters clashed with police, set rubbish bins on fire and damaged shop windows. Local media reported that some demonstrators threw fireworks at police and vandalised several businesses, including a well-known toy store, while others attempted to enter a major technology company’s outlet. Although the daytime demonstration in Barcelona remained largely peaceful, a female participant said the situation became tense in the evening, with fires reported in several parts of the city. Spain’s Interior Ministry said dozens of people had been arrested in connection with various incidents, while attacks on some real estate offices were also reported. In Madrid, protesters said the strike had brought much of the city to a standstill despite heavy rain. A 37-year-old teacher, Olga Domingo, said she joined the protest because housing had become unaffordable and the widening gap between salaries and living expenses had made it increasingly difficult for people to make ends meet. The nationwide strike follows a growing protest movement against the shortage of affordable housing and rising living costs across the country.