Spain's leading labor unions, UGT and CCOO, have declared a general strike set for November 11, aiming to intensify pressure on the government regarding critical issues of housing and wages. This announcement comes in the wake of a severe housing crisis that has gripped the nation, particularly highlighted by the recent eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her lifelong home in Madrid, which has sparked widespread protests across the country.

The tragic death of Abascal on Wednesday has further fueled public outrage and calls for reform. The unions are advocating for better salaries, decent housing, and price controls to combat inflation, which reached 4.9 percent in September—its highest since February 2023. They described the upcoming strike as a necessary response to what they term "insatiable real estate greed" that has made access to affordable housing nearly impossible for many Spaniards.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government recently attempted to address these issues by proposing two decrees aimed at tightening eviction regulations and ensuring the automatic renewal of tenant contracts. However, these measures were rejected by the conservative opposition, prompting Sanchez to call a snap general election for November 29, a significant shift from the previously scheduled date in 2027.

The unions have expressed their frustration over the political landscape, stating that corporate policies are exploiting economic growth to increase profits at the expense of workers' wages. They have urged citizens to mobilize in support of their cause, emphasizing the need for a collective response to the housing crisis.

In recent weeks, tenants' unions have been at the forefront of advocating for reforms in the housing market, which remains out of reach for many. Protests have erupted in major cities, with demonstrators setting up camps in iconic locations such as Madrid's Puerta del Sol. The Madrid Tenants’ Union has characterized the eviction of Abascal as a pivotal moment in Spain's history, marking a turning point in the fight for housing rights.

Prime Minister Sanchez, who is currently trailing in opinion polls, has accused the opposition parties, including the Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox, of siding with real estate speculators by voting against his housing initiatives. In response to the mounting pressure and public sentiment, Sanchez has reiterated his commitment to addressing the housing crisis, stating, "All my love to Maricarmen’s family and loved ones. A hug too to those of us who today feel this loss as our own."

As the general strike approaches, the tension between the government and opposition continues to escalate, with the public eagerly anticipating how these developments will affect the upcoming election and the broader socio-economic landscape in Spain.