87-year-old Madrid tenant Maricarmen Abascal died on Oct 7, sparking nationwide protests over Spain’s housing crisis. Her eviction triggered nationwide demonstrations and led to an early election. Abascal, who had lived in her home for 71 years, was evicted on a stretcher after her rent was drastically increased.
Abascal’s eviction on Sept 23 led to mass protests, with demonstrators camping in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square. The protests pressured the government to address housing issues, including evictions and rent control. Despite a deal allowing Abascal to return home, her death prompted further outrage and a nationwide general strike on Nov 11.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called an early election for Nov 29, shifting focus from migration and corruption to the housing crisis. The death of Abascal, a symbol of the housing struggle, has left a legacy of resistance and calls for continued action. The election will test the government’s ability to address the ongoing crisis.