Spain Erupts in Protests Over Rising Rents and Housing Crisis Decode With Sudhir Chaudhary: Spain witnessed a nationwide general strike and mass protests on November 11 over rising rents and the housing crisis. According to unions, more than three million people participated in the strike, while clashes between police and protesters were reported in cities including Madrid and Barcelona. Demonstrators are demanding rent controls, stronger tenant protections and action against forced evictions.