Spain: Clashes erupt in Barcelona after peaceful general strike march

Loading the video No Comment Video. Spain: Clashes erupt in Barcelona after peaceful general strike march Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 11 November 2026 - 23:54 GMT+1 Burning barricades and clashes with riot police erupted in Barcelona after a peaceful march against soaring housing costs. Police used projectiles to disperse masked protesters as violence spread through the city centre. Shortly after 7.30 pm, on Wednesday 11 November, groups of masked protesters began throwing stones, bottles and fireworks at police near Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya. Rubbish bins and street furniture were set alight, creating burning barricades in the city centre, while shop windows were smashed and stores reportedly looted. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Footage shows flames engulfing barricades and protesters confronting riot police, who responded with crowd-control projectiles and baton charges. Catalonia's Mossos d'Esquadra police moved to disperse the groups as the disturbances spread towards Las Ramblas. Violent clashes broke out after an otherwise peaceful mass demonstration, when small groups of masked youths broke away from the main crowd. Municipal police estimated that more than 55,000 people had taken part, while organisers put the figure closer to 400,000. As night fell, rioters smashed shopfronts, set rubbish bins alight and threw objects at officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force. Eighteen people were arrested during the unrest, bringing the day's total to 20. Catalan President Salvador Illa condemned the violence, stressing that it did not reflect the spirit of the peaceful protest. The unrest unfolded during Spain’s first 24-hour general strike since 2012, a nationwide stoppage trade unions claim mobilised around four million workers. The protest mirrors a broader wave of social discontent over housing affordability, stagnant wages, and inflation that has swept through Portugal, Belgium, France, Italy, and Germany in recent months. Coming less than three weeks before the 29 November snap election, the unrest places immense political pressure on the government. Spain Barcelona Strike Clashes and riots housing crisis cost of living Top stories Now playing Next Spain: Clashes erupt in Barcelona after peaceful general strike march Now playing Next Spain: 120,000 brave rain to demand affordable housing and better wages Now playing Next Storm Charles: Heavy rain and strong winds batter Portugal Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | November 11th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next France's 11 November ceremonies, tributes by Macron, Le Pen, Mélenchon Now playing Next Is the EU setting the right priorities? 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