Spain: General strikes, transportation disruptions Oct. 3-13 /update 7

Event

A general strike will be held throughout Catalonia on Tuesday, October 3, to denounce the violent crackdown of the Civil Guard and national police against the October 1 referendum vote. At least 844 people were injured in the violence across the region. Further protests are to be anticipated in the coming days, notably in Barcelona.

On October 3, transportation services are set to be particularly affected with only 50 percent of metro, bus, and intercity train services operating during rush hours - from 06:30 to 09:30 and 17:00 to 20:00 (local time) - and 25 percent of services available during the rest of the day. Further, only 33 percent of regional trains operated by the state-owned company Renfe will be running, and only 30 percent of services be provided by Adif. Renfe has also canceled 151 high-speed trains departing from, or arriving in, Catalonian stations between October 3 and October 13.

Furthermore, disruptions are expected at Catalonia’s main airports, including Barcelona El-Prat (BCN), Girona Airport (GRO), Reus Airport (REU), and Sabadell Airport (QSA), with only 25 percent of services to be provided on average.

Context

On October 1, Spanish security forces resorted to violence against voters in an attempt block the illegal referendum, set to determine the region’s secession from the country. Although the European Commission has remained resolutely silent, the UN has called upon Spain to conduct an impartial investigation into the violence. 

Catalonia's bid for independence had been decried as illegal by the central government, which had attempted to block the vote through a series of logistical and legal measures. Shortly before preliminary results of the referendum were released on October 1, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy claimed that "today there was no referendum on self-determination in Catalonia," as the majority of Catalans did not vote. Catalonian leader Carles Puigdemont later retorted that the region had earned the right to independent statehood. According to Catalan officials, 42.3 percent of Catalans voted, 90 percent of which were in favor independence.

Advice

Travelers are strongly advised to confirm the status of their travel reservations and to allow for extra time to reach their destination. Individuals present in Catalonia are advised to avoid all demonstrations.