Spain reportedly experienced its first general strike in 14 years on Wednesday, November 11, amid protests over rising housing costs and declining purchasing power.

The strike disrupted public transportation and slowed industrial production.

Authorities estimated that approximately 120,000 people demonstrated in Madrid and more than 50,000 in Barcelona.

Clashes with police were reported in Barcelona, where rubbish bins were set ablaze, shopfronts damaged, and dozens of people arrested.

The government reportedly called early elections for November 29, while the opposition People’s Party described the strike as an electoral protest.