Millions join Spain's first general strike in 14 years over housing crisis

Millions of workers across Spain participated in the country's first general strike in 14 years on Wednesday to protest soaring housing costs and the rising cost of living. Organized by major trade unions, the strike severely disrupted public transport and forced widespread closures of businesses and factories weeks ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.

Mass demonstrations took place in major cities. Turnout in Madrid reached an estimated 120,000 protesters, while turnout figures in Barcelona varied significantly between municipal estimates of around 50,000 to 55,000 and activist claims of up to 400,000. Clashes between police and masked demonstrators were reported in Barcelona, where protesters set fire to trash containers and damaged storefronts, alongside road blockades and dozen of arrests.

Sources: Beta, Dan, Danas, Index, Vijesti