Protests in Madrid Highlight Spain’s Housing Crisis

Protesters in Madrid are voicing their anger over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, María del Carmen Abascal. Demonstrators camped overnight in Puerta del Sol plaza, marking the second day of protests against the nation’s housing crisis.

Tens of thousands marched on Saturday to express their outrage over Abascal’s removal from her long-time home in the Retiro neighborhood. The activists are calling for better tenant protections, measures to curb fraud, and a halt to evictions where alternative housing is unavailable. Many protesters remained in the plaza after the march, setting up tents.

The housing situation is unsustainable.

Natalia Navarro, a protester, stressed the urgency of the crisis. The Madrid Tenants’ Union spokesperson, Alicia del Río, stated the movement will persist until the government enacts new laws like indefinite rental contracts and blocks evictions similar to Abascal’s.

Spain’s government plans to propose new housing measures in its upcoming cabinet meeting. Abascal’s eviction has stirred considerable social unrest. On September 23, she was forcibly removed from her apartment, sparking public criticism of authorities and real estate firms labeled as ‘vulture funds.’

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the topic at a Socialist Party rally, assuring efforts to approve a Royal Decree on housing. Abascal, interviewed by RTVE, criticized Sánchez, questioning his awareness of the rampant evictions.

Long-term Tenant Faces Eviction

Abascal’s father rented their apartment in 1956. With the building’s change in ownership in 2018, Abascal was unable to buy the property due to its high price. The investment fund Urbagestión later acquired the unit, significantly increasing the rent, which Abascal couldn’t afford on her pension.

Economic Growth Outpaces Housing Supply

The escalation in housing costs coupled with Spain’s growing population has worsened affordability issues. Despite strong economic performance, the Bank of Spain has reported a housing shortage, notably in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

The recent demonstrations revived memories of the 2011 ‘indignados movement,’ a significant sit-in sparked by global economic woes, evictions, and government austerity. Compared to 2011, today’s protests highlight a shift from challenges in buying homes to struggles in affording rental accommodations.

Spain ranks poorly in subsidized public rental housing, representing less than 2% of the housing stock, compared to the EU average of 8%.

Britain reported from Barcelona, with additional coverage from Associated Press journalist Suman Naishadham in Madrid.