Spain Protests Erupt After 87-Year-Old Woman's Eviction
Thousands of protesters marched in Madrid and camped in Puerta del Sol after the eviction of María del Carmen Abascal sparked national outrage over Spain's housing crisis.
Tens of thousands of protesters marched through Madrid on September 26 and established a camp in Puerta del Sol plaza following the September 23 eviction of María del Carmen Abascal. The 87-year-old woman was removed from her home of 70 years in the Retiro neighborhood via stretcher after the investment fund Urbagestión raised her rent from 500 euros to 2,650 euros. Although the fund later lowered the cost to 1,650 euros, the amount remained unaffordable for the pensioner.
The Madrid Tenants' Union led the demonstrations, demanding a ban on evictions without alternative housing, anti-fraud rules, and indefinite rental contracts. While government authorities estimated 25,000 participants, organizers claimed 300,000 people joined the march. Protesters vowed to remain in the plaza until at least Tuesday, when the government is expected to announce new measures during a cabinet meeting.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged swift action and proposed the Maricarmen decree, which would include stricter eviction limits and automatic contract renewals. However, Sanchez's Socialist Party lacks the parliamentary majority to guarantee the law's passage. The unrest highlights a severe national housing shortage, with the Bank of Spain estimating a deficit of approximately 550,000 homes, while other reports suggest the shortage could be as high as 700,000.
