Fiery chaos erupts across Spain as protesters clash with police during massive nationwide strike
Unruly protesters set fires, smashed storefronts and launched fireworks at riot police across parts of Spain on Wednesday as a massive nationwide strike over soaring housing costs disrupted transportation and businesses.Violent scenes unfolded in Barcelona, where some demonstrators vandalized stores along the city's popular Paseo de Gracia shopping boulevard, set small bonfires and launched fireworks at officers arriving in riot gear and armored vehicles, according to The Associated Press.The violence erupted after a largely peaceful march as Spain experienced its first general strike in 14 years, with workers demanding relief from skyrocketing rents and the rising cost of living.TRAVELERS MAY FACE MAJOR DISRUPTIONS AS STRIKES THREATEN AIRPORTS AND POPULAR ATTRACTIONSA protestor holds up a poster as objects burn in the background during a demonstration over the housing crisis Wednesday in Barcelona, Spain.(David Ramos/Getty Images)Housing activists claimed 400,000 people marched through Barcelona, while city officials estimated attendance at 55,000.
Government officials reported another 120,000 demonstrators gathered in Madrid despite heavy rain, the AP reported.The nationwide walkout disrupted public transportation, forced some businesses to close and blocked major roads.Police made arrests across the country, while officers used pepper spray against demonstrators in Madrid, according to the AP.ANGRY LOCALS BLOCK FAMOUS BEACH AS MASS TOURISM PROTESTS ESCALATE AT VACATION HOT SPOTRioters burn trash cans Wednesday in Spain during a nationwide general strike over the country's housing crisis, with workers also demanding greater purchasing power ahead of a snap general election at the end of the month, near Catalunya square in Barcelona.
(Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images)The unrest comes amid growing frustration over Spain's housing crisis, fueled in part by the eviction of an 87-year-old Madrid woman who had lived in her apartment for seven decades before reportedly ...