Spain hit by first general strike in years over rising costs

A 24-hour general strike is taking place in Spain this Wednesday, as citizens rally in major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. The demonstrators are protesting against soaring housing and rent prices, as well as the decline in purchasing power. This marks the first general strike in the country since 2012, when similar actions were held to oppose the austerity measures implemented by the government of Mariano Rajoy. The mobilization occurs just three weeks before the general elections scheduled for November 29.