# Spanish Electorate Deeply Divided Over Economic Policy and Political Trust Public opinion remains split on housing, economic growth, and party competency before elections. - **Source:** [El País – España](https://elpais.com/espana) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1dbe9fe2-731f-4940-8906-f791fca71d11 ## General Strike Tensions A general strike scheduled for Wednesday the 11th highlights the housing crisis as a primary concern. Public opinion is nearly evenly split, with 46.3% supporting the strike and 48.8% opposing it. Furthermore, 53% of respondents disapprove of the ongoing protest encampments, reflecting a polarized society ahead of the upcoming national elections. ## Economic Perception Gap Despite Spain having the highest growth among major EU nations, nearly 70% of citizens incorrectly believe the country lags behind the European average. This misperception persists even among PSOE voters. While half of the respondents claim to save money, one-third struggle to reach the end of the month financially. ## Political Trust Dynamics Voters show distinct preferences based on policy areas. The PSOE is favored for social issues like healthcare, education, and public transport. Conversely, the PP is trusted more for managing the economy, inflation, and housing. Vox leads in public confidence regarding immigration, holding a significant lead over both the PSOE and PP. ## Corruption and Governance Trust regarding corruption remains fragmented. While 56.5% of respondents feel the current government failed to react strongly to recent scandals, the PSOE still holds a slight edge in perceived competency to combat corruption at 19.3%, compared to 16.1% for the PP. Vox follows closely, showing a highly competitive landscape for voters. ## Election Stakes Perception Over 50% of respondents view these elections as more critical than previous ones. This sentiment is particularly strong among right-wing voters, with two out of three believing the stakes are exceptionally high. Additionally, 30% of the public expresses doubts regarding the integrity of the upcoming electoral process, rising significantly among Vox supporters. ## Policy Approval Ratings The government receives praise for expanding childcare leave, raising the minimum wage, and revaluing pensions. However, management of the Ceuta crisis and recent railway accidents face heavy criticism. Controversial topics like the amnesty for Catalan independentists and immigrant regularization receive support from only one in four surveyed citizens, indicating limited public backing. ## Voter Motivation Drivers Motivations for voting vary by party affiliation. PP supporters are primarily driven by the desire to remove Sánchez from office. Vox voters value the party for speaking their minds. PSOE and Frente Amplio voters focus on defending social achievements, while Podemos supporters view their vote as a necessary barrier against the ultraright. ## Future Electoral Outlook As the election approaches, the electorate remains divided across ideological lines. While the left is trusted with social services, the right dominates economic and security discourse. With significant portions of the population questioning electoral integrity and economic performance, the final outcome depends on which policy priorities ultimately mobilize the undecided voters. ## Sources covering this story - [El País – España — Spanish Public Opinion Divided Ahead of General Strike and Elections](https://elpais.com/espana/elecciones-generales/2026-11-09/la-huelga-divide-a-los-espanoles-y-mas-de-la-mitad-rechaza-las-acampadas.html) - [20minutos — Spanish Voters Split Trust Between PSOE and PP Ahead of Elections](https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/los-ciudadanos-creen-que-psoe-tomaria-mejores-decisiones-educacion-sanidad-pp-economia-vivienda_7058822_0.html) - [El Mundo – España — Spanish Public Divided Over Upcoming General Strike Amid Election Tensions](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/encuestas/2026/11/09/6af1faaffdddff3b5b8b4580.html) - [20minutos — General Strike in Madrid: Schedule and Route Details for November 11](https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/manifestacion-huelga-general-11-noviembre-madrid-horario-recorrido_7059269_0.html) - [El País – Portada — Spanish General Strike Divides Political Landscape](https://elpais.com/espana/2026-11-10/el-gobierno-y-sus-socios-relacionan-la-huelga-del-11-n-con-avances-sociales-y-la-derecha-ataca-a-los-sindicatos.html) - [ABC España – Portada — General Strike in Spain Sparks Tensions and Transport Disruptions](https://www.abc.es/economia/huelga-general-noviembre-espana-directo-situacion-cercanias-20261111234148-di.html) - [El País – España — Spanish General Strike Divides Political Landscape](https://elpais.com/espana/2026-11-10/el-gobierno-y-sus-socios-relacionan-la-huelga-del-11-n-con-avances-sociales-y-la-derecha-ataca-a-los-sindicatos.html) - [20minutos — General Strike Across Spain Causes Transport Disruptions and Industrial Stoppages](https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/huelga-general-transcurre-con-seguimiento-dispar-mas-incidencia-costa-varios-detenidos-cortes-carreteras-barcelona-madrid_7059648_0.html) - [20minutos — General Strike Disrupts Major Madrid Access Routes During Morning Rush](https://www.20minutos.es/madrid/los-piquetes-cortan-varias-autovias-acceso-madrid-plena-hora-punta-dificultan-acceso-capital-durante-huelga-general_7059570_0.html) - [El Mundo – Portada — Spain Faces First General Strike in 14 Years Over Housing Crisis](https://www.elmundo.es/economia/2026/11/11/6af4223ee4d4d8787d8b4593.html) - [El Mundo – Portada — PP Labels Spanish General Strike as Electoral Strategy for Left](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/11/11/6af43da8e4d4d8f8248b45a8.html) - [Europa Press — General Strike Impact Across Spain](https://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-huelga-general-11-noviembre-directo-ultima-hora-manifestaciones-horarios-servicios-minimos-20261111075448.html) - [elDiario.es — General Strike in Spain Over Housing Crisis Leads to 27 Arrests](https://www.eldiario.es/economia/huelga-general-11-noviembre-ultima-hora-directo-arranca-gran-paro-vivienda_133_13653845.html) - [elDiario.es — Spanish General Strike Sees Varied Participation Across Regions](https://www.eldiario.es/economia/sindicatos-cifran-seguimiento-huelga-75-41-comunidades-si-sigue-exito_1_13654588.html) - [El País – Portada — General Strike in Spain: November 11 Mobilization Explained](https://elpais.com/podcasts/hoy-en-el-pais/2026-11-11/por-que-hay-convocada-una-huelga-general-este-11-de-noviembre.html) - [elDiario.es — General Strike in Spain: Housing and Public Services Crisis](https://www.eldiario.es/economia/podcast-razones-huelga-general_1_13653596.html) - [La Vanguardia — General Strike in Spain Shows Regional and Sectoral Disparities](https://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20261111/11681447/sindicatos-reconocen-seguimiento-dispar-huelga.html) - [La Vanguardia — General Strike Demands Housing Rights and Fair Wages in Spain](https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20261111/11681386/huelga-general-imagenes.html) - [La Vanguardia — General Strike Disrupts Madrid Road Access](https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20261111/11681367/piquetes-informativos-dificultan-acceso-capital-madrid-carretera.html) - [ABC España – Portada — General Strike Causes Widespread Transport Disruptions Across Spain](https://www.abc.es/economia/cortes-carreteras-incidentes-primeras-horas-huelga-afectacion-20261111120911-nt.html) - [ABC España – Portada — Tension and Uncertainty in Madrid During General Strike](https://www.abc.es/espana/madrid/puerta-sol-inspiro-huelga-amanece-seguridad-calma-20261111103417-nt.html) - [Sveriges Radio Ekot — General Strike in Spain Disrupts Operations Amid Housing Crisis](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/9339025) - [20minutos — Tens of Thousands Protest Across Spain During 24-Hour General Strike](https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/huelga-general-11n-directo-ultima-hora-los-paros-manifestaciones-servicios-minimos-toda-espana_7059492_6.html) - [20minutos — Police Clashes Erupt During General Strike in Madrid](https://www.20minutos.es/madrid/cargas-policiales-gran-via-tras-corte-trafico-centenares-manifestantes-durante-huelga-general-11n_7059793_0.html) - [El Mundo – Portada — General Strike Paralyzes Spain Over Housing and Wage Demands](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/11/11/6af477e2e9cf4a0e668b457d.html) - [El Mundo – Portada — General Strike Impacts Spanish Retail and Consumer Spending](https://www.elmundo.es/economia/empresas/2026/11/11/6af46861e4d4d8ee7c8b45b3.html) - [El Mundo – Portada — Maricarmen's Eviction Legacy Fades Amid General Strike](https://www.elmundo.es/madrid/2026/11/11/6af46d4321efa092738b457c.html) - [Europa Press — General Strike in Spain Leads to Over 50 Arrests](https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-act3-huelga-deja-ya-mas-50-detenidos-919-incidencias-toda-espana-20261111190915.html) - [Europa Press — General Strike Impacts Madrid Amid Housing and Wage Demands](https://www.europapress.es/madrid/noticia-huelga-general-resuena-madrid-piquetes-protestas-pese-relativa-normalidad-servicios-publicos-20261111163042.html) - [elDiario.es — Massive General Strike Across Spain Demands Housing Reform](https://www.eldiario.es/economia/marea-recorre-espana-movilizaciones-huelga-derecho-vivienda-digna_1_13655963.html) - [elDiario.es — Spain Faces First General Strike in 14 Years Amid Housing Crisis](https://www.eldiario.es/rastreador/primera-huelga-general-14-anos-prensa-internacional-destaca-paro-espana-precio-vivienda_132_13655520.html) - [El País – Portada — General Strike Across Spain Shows Regional Disparities](https://elpais.com/espana/2026-11-11/cataluna-galicia-aragon-y-asturias-lideran-el-seguimiento-de-una-jornada-de-protesta-desigual.html) - [El País – Portada — Spanish Unions Threaten Mobilization Against Austerity Measures](https://elpais.com/economia/2026-11-11/los-sindicatos-avisan-si-van-contra-la-gente-nos-volveran-a-tener-enfrente.html) - [La Vanguardia — General Strike Disrupts Barcelona and Madrid Transport and Media](https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20261111/11681344/huelga-general-espana-11n-movilizaciones-sindicatos-manifestaciones-ultima-hora-hoy-en-directo.html) - [La Vanguardia — Catalan Business Groups Report Low Strike Participation but High Operational Disruption](https://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20261111/11681655/foment-pimec-apuntan-seguimiento-denuncian-afectaciones-transporte.html) - [Gazeta Wyborcza — Spain Paralyzed by 24-Hour General Strike](https://wyborcza.pl/7,75399,33126948,manifestacje-zamkniete-fabryki-zaklocony-transport-hiszpania.html) - [El Confidencial – España — Podemos Leaders Accuse Government of Police Violence During General Strike](https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-11-11/huelga-general-violencia-policial-piquetes-1tna-1tps_4462993/) - [SVT – Utrikes — General Strike Hits Spain Amid Housing Crisis and Upcoming Elections](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/utrikes/storstrejk-i-spanien-mot-bostadskrisen) - [El Mundo – España — Frente Amplio Leverages General Strike to Mobilize Left Before November 29 Elections](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/11/11/6af4aad2e9cf4af3268b45b6.html) - [El Mundo – España — PP and Vox Denounce General Strike as Electoral Tool for Government](https://www.elmundo.es/elecciones/elecciones-generales/2026/11/11/6af4c60021efa0de228b4591.html) - [20minutos — Tens of Thousands Protest Housing Costs Across Spain](https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/decenas-miles-personas-salen-calle-espana-las-manifestaciones-29n-para-protestar-contra-precio-vivienda_7059945_0.html) - [20minutos — General Strike in Valencia Reveals Deep Economic and Social Tensions](https://www.20minutos.es/comunidad-valenciana/puerto-industria-lideran-seguimiento-huelga-valencia-frente-comercio-sector-turistico_7059949_0.html) - [El Mundo – Portada — Spanish General Strike Sparks Political Tensions and Police Confrontations](https://www.elmundo.es/elecciones/elecciones-generales/2026/11/11/6af4c94d21efa05b5e8b4581.html) - [Europa Press — Massive Housing Protests Sweep Across Spain Despite Severe Weather](https://www.europapress.es/economia/laboral-00346/noticia-huelga-general-vivienda-moviliza-cientos-miles-personas-toda-espana-pesar-lluvias-20261111203941.html) - [Expressen — General Strike in Spain Leads to Arrests and Clashes](https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/varlden/storstrejk-i-spanien-flera-gripna/) - [El País – Portada — Spanish General Strike Signals Warning to Future Government](https://elpais.com/economia/2026-11-11/la-huelga-general-culmina-con-un-seguimiento-desigual-y-grandes-protestas-en-la-calle.html) - [El País – Portada — General Strike Highlights Economic Inequality in Spain](https://elpais.com/opinion/2026-11-11/mensaje-enviado.html) - [SVT Nyheter — General Strike Hits Spain Amid Escalating Housing Crisis](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/utrikes/storstrejk-i-spanien-mot-bostadskrisen) - [ABC España – Portada — General Strike Fails to Gain Traction in Spain](https://www.abc.es/espana/pincha-huelga-general-convocada-resucitar-sanchez-20261111013653-nt.html) - [El Mundo – España — Spanish General Strike Fails as Political Campaign Tool](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/11/11/6af4acc8fc6c83d16c8b45a7.html) - [Infobae — Spanish General Election Campaign Starts Amid Housing Strike Fallout](https://www.infobae.com/espana/2026/11/12/elecciones-generales-29-n-en-directo-ultima-hora-de-la-huelga-general-los-decretos-de-vivienda-y-el-inicio-de-la-campana/) - [20minutos — General Strike Impact: Comparing 2012 Austerity Protests to 11-N Housing Crisis](https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/huelga-general-que-lleno-las-calles-pero-no-paralizo-las-ciudades-por-que-11-n-ha-tenido-menos-impacto-que-ultima-2012_7059992_0.html) - [20minutos — CCOO Leader Defends General Strike Amid Housing Crisis Protests](https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/sordo-sobre-seguimiento-huelga-sabiamos-que-era-un-ejercicio-riesgo-porque-no-somos-gilipollas_7060088_0.html) - [Europa Press — Spanish Political Tensions Rise Ahead of November 29 General Elections](https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-ultima-hora-actualidad-politica-espana-directo-elecciones-generales-29n-arranque-campana-20261112082710.html) - [elDiario.es — Spain's Permanent Deputation Approves Housing Decree Amid General Strike](https://www.eldiario.es/politica/diputacion-permanente-pone-colofon-huelga-aprobacion-decreto-ley-vivienda_1_13655575.html) - [elDiario.es — Spain Faces First General Strike in 14 Years Over Housing Crisis](https://www.eldiario.es/economia/primera-huelga-general-vivienda-moviliza-millones-personas-eleva-tension-pp-vox_1_13656244.html) - [La Vanguardia — General Strike Over Housing Crisis Sparks Political Debate](https://www.lavanguardia.com/opinion/20261112/11681966/mas-protestas-paro.html) - [El Confidencial – España — Spanish Government Defends Housing Decrees Amidst Strike Backlash](https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-11-12/bustinduy-equipara-los-decretos-de-vivienda-con-los-derechos-laborales-y-advierte-que-se-van-a-abrir-paso_4463342/) - [20minutos — Spanish General Election Campaign Kicks Off for November 29 Vote](https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/inicio-campana-electoral-directo-candidatos-29n_7060386_6.html) - [La Vanguardia — Spain's November 29 General Election Pre-campaign Coverage](https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20261112/11682180/elecciones-generales-29n-ultima-hora-precampana-electoral-feijoo-sanchez-abascal-resto-candidatos-hoy-jueves-12-noviembre-en-directo.html) - [El Confidencial – España — CIS Poll Predicts PSOE Victory in November 29 General Elections](https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-11-12/cis-tezanos-elecciones-psoe_4463904/) - [El Mundo – España — General Strike in Spain Challenges Government Amid Social Unrest](https://www.elmundo.es/elecciones/elecciones-generales/2026/11/11/6af4c94d21efa05b5e8b4581.html) - [El Mundo – España — Spanish Youth Lead Massive Protests Against Housing and Economic Inaction](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/11/11/6af4c9ab21efa010368b4595.html) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._