Fiery chaos erupts across Spain as protesters clash with police during massive nationwide strike

Detailed summary

Spain's first general strike in 14 years turned violent in Barcelona as protesters set fires and launched fireworks at riot police on Paseo de Gracia.

Clashes broke out during a general strike in Madrid, with riot police detaining demonstrators in the Spanish capital. (Credit: Reuters)

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.

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A 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.

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