Spain: Housing crisis prompts general strike

Workers across nearly all industries have taken to the picket lines as rents soar and the housing crunch worsens. The crisis is the main political debate ahead of Spain's November 29 elections. Workers across Spain gathered en mass on Wednesday, marching and setting up picket lines despite stormy weather in many areas of the country.

This is the first general strike in Spain in 14 years, amid a worsening cost of living and lack of housing crisis that has left many unable to support themselves. Symbolized by the eviction and death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal in Madrid earlier this year, the crisis has also prompted a snap election set for November 29. The government of left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attempted to pass legislation to ease the plight of renters, but was blocked in parliament by opposition parties.

Lacking the power to get legislation passed, Sanchez called the early vote in hopes to shore up more support.