Four million people in Spain joined a general strike, protesting rising rents and evictions amid a housing crisis.

It is the first general strike since workers downed tools in 2012 against austerity measures during the euro zone debt crisis. The walkout is backed by Spain's two largest unions, UGT and CCOO, representing more than a million workers, as well as tenants' associations angry about rising rents and evictions.

After largely peaceful marches, some protesters smashed storefronts and started bonfires.

An election is set for November 29.