Spain’s general strike draws uneven participation and large street protests

Spain's general strike on November 11 saw varied participation, with significant turnout in industrial sectors but limited impact in public services. The unions aimed to signal to the incoming government the necessity of negotiating with workers. While most protests were peaceful, clashes occurred in Madrid and Barcelona, leading to arrests and criticism of police actions. The strike was marked by a strong presence of demonstrators advocating for better wages and housing, inspired by recent social issues. Transportation was notably affected, with numerous cancellations reported, although retail operations remained largely unaffected. This strike, the first in 14 years, was characterized as 'unorthodox' due to its origins in public discontent rather than a direct response to legislation.