Housing protest turns violent in Barcelona with fires and arrests

Barcelona’s housing protest turned violent with fires and arrests, highlighting Spain’s affordability crisis ahead of a general strike and snap election in November.

Thousands of people marched through central Barcelona on Monday to demand affordable homes, carrying banners and chanting for free and quality housing. The demonstration later turned tense, as some participants threw objects at police and set rubbish bins on fire. Officers charged the crowd and detained several people as smoke filled the streets.

The march reflected growing anger over high rents, a shortage of homes and the risk of eviction across Spain. People of all ages took part, with demonstrators calling for political action. Trade unions have also announced a one-day general strike over the issue, although the date has yet to be set.

The unrest followed parliament's rejection of emergency measures aimed at easing the affordability crisis. The government has since called a snap general election for November 29, adding to the political pressure over an issue that has become a growing concern across Spain.