Protests Erupt in Madrid Over Housing Crisis After Elderly Woman’s Eviction

In Madrid, protesters camped overnight at Puerta del Sol plaza, demanding stronger laws to protect renters. This reaction followed the eviction of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman. Her eviction resonated deeply with many, leading tens of thousands to march in protest through the city.

María del Carmen Abascal was evicted from her home in the Retiro neighborhood, where she had lived for over seventy years. Demonstrators call for stronger tenant protections, measures against fraud, and stopping evictions when alternative housing is unavailable. Many protesters remained in the plaza after the initial march, setting up tents for the night.

“The housing situation is unsustainable,” said Natalia Navarro, a 27-year-old actress involved in the protest. “We are all out on the street because we are fed up.”

Alicia del Río, from the Madrid Tenants’ Union, emphasized the urgency of new laws, including indefinite rental contracts, during a press conference on Sunday. Spain’s government is expected to propose measures in the coming week’s cabinet meeting.

On September 23, Abascal’s eviction highlighted issues in Spain’s housing market. Her removal, carried out on a stretcher, drew significant attention and criticism of authorities and real estate companies, often called “vulture funds.” Simón de la Riva, a protester, remarked that Maricarmen’s case symbolizes deeper unrest.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the situation, stating that the government is working on a Royal Decree for housing reforms. However, Abascal has criticized Sánchez, pointing out the frequency of evictions.

Abascal’s apartment story ties back to 1956 when her father first rented the space. Since 2018, ownership changes resulted in rent hikes, pushing Abascal beyond her pension budget, even after some reductions.

The rising housing costs complicate Spain’s situation, despite economic growth. The Bank of Spain assessed the housing shortage at 550,000 homes, with significant gaps in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

The protests remind Spaniards of the 2011 ‘indignados movement’ against evictions and other social issues. Political scientist Estefania Molina highlights the urgency of today’s protests compared to the past. Spain lacks sufficient subsidized public rental housing, dropping below the European average.