Spanish Unions Announce General Strike Over Housing Issues Ahead of Snap Election

Spain’s two largest unions, the Workers’ General Union (UGT) and Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), announced a nationwide general strike scheduled for November 11, 2026, in response to housing issues, which have become significant topics in the upcoming snap election. This will be the first general strike jointly supported by these unions in 14 years. The announcement follows the death of 87-year-old Maria del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen, whose eviction on September 23 sparked nationwide protests. Maricarmen was evicted after an international investment fund purchased her building and raised her rent by over 200% to approximately $1,880 per month, aiming to convert the property into tourist apartments. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences on social media, stating, "All my love to Maricarmen’s family and loved ones." Following her eviction, the Madrid Tenants’ Union organized protests that attracted tens of thousands of participants and spread to multiple cities. According to the Bank of Spain, Spain faces a housing deficit of about 750,000 homes, projected to exceed one million by 2028. The average rental price in Spain is around 1,176 euros ($1,315), which consumes nearly 98.7% of a young person's average monthly salary, as reported by the Youth Council of Spain. The government’s recent failure to pass emergency housing measures contributed to Sanchez's decision to call an early election for November 29. Sanchez's main opponent, Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the conservative Popular Party (PP), is vying for a chance to form a government, while Santiago Abascal of the far-right Vox party is positioning his party as a potential kingmaker. Sanchez, who has been in power since 2018, faces challenges in the election, with opinion polls indicating he is trailing behind Feijoo, who previously led the PP to a first-place finish in the 2023 general election but could not secure enough support to govern.