Spanish unions say four million joined nationwide housing strike

Around four million people took part in a nationwide strike in Spain on Wednesday, according to trade unions, with the action focused on the housing crisis ahead of parliamentary elections later this month.

Spain’s largest unions joined the strike, along with tenants’ organisations angered by rising rents and evictions. In Madrid, tens of thousands marched in the evening, the report said.

Unions called the strike a success but said participation varied considerably between regions. Employers’ associations said its effects had been less severe than expected.

Housing shortages and rising costs have fuelled protests for months. The crisis has also become a major election issue: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called an early election after his minority coalition failed to get housing measures through parliament.