General strikes to paralyze Spain as protestors clash with police ahead of election campaign

Spain is facing a general strike and protests ahead of an election campaign, with demonstrators clashing with police. The action could disrupt work across the country and put housing on the political agenda, while also creating a test of the government’s ability to respond.

A recent poll found that 58% of respondents viewed the prime minister unfavourably, against 41% who viewed him favourably. Analysts say clashes could also give opponents an opportunity to focus on public order. One Spanish academic cautioned that claims of strike success or failure should be judged by which sectors and regions stop work, turnout and whether housing becomes central to the campaign.