BARCELONA—Violence erupted in Spain’s northeastern city of Barcelona on Wednesday evening as protesters clashed with police following a nationwide general strike. According to municipal police, demonstrators hurled fireworks at officers and set dozens of rubbish bins ablaze across several central districts, sending thick smoke over major thoroughfares. Emergency services reported multiple small fires and scattered debris, while riot units deployed tear gas and foam projectiles to disperse crowds. Authorities said at least twelve people were treated for minor injuries, including four officers, and confirmed several arrests. The disturbances began after a largely peaceful daytime march by trade unions opposing labor reforms and austerity measures.
The general strike, called by Spain’s two main union confederations, disrupted transport, schools, and public services nationwide, though participation varied by region. Barcelona’s unrest marks the most serious outbreak of violence in Catalonia’s capital since similar protests two years ago. City officials urged residents to avoid the affected areas as cleanup crews worked into the night. Union leaders condemned the vandalism, insisting the strike itself remained orderly and that fringe groups had hijacked the evening demonstration. Spain’s Interior Ministry said it would review security deployments, while regional authorities called for calm. No group has claimed responsibility for the clashes, and police said investigations are ongoing.
Independent reporting synthesized from primary wires and global correspondents.