Maricarmen Abascal, 87, died after being evicted from her Madrid home, sparking widespread protests and political turmoil in Spain. Her death has intensified calls for action on the housing crisis, with thousands marching and a nationwide strike planned.
Abascal, who had lived in her home for over 70 years, was forcibly removed on a stretcher in September 2026 after a rent increase by an investment fund. Despite efforts to broker an alternative arrangement, she was unable to sign the agreement due to her fragile health. Her death has led to renewed protests and a call for early elections.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has shifted political focus to the housing crisis, seeking to divert attention from the migrant crisis in Ceuta and corruption scandals. The government's failed attempts to pass housing measures have prompted a snap election, with opposition leaders urging political neutrality in the wake of Abascal's death.
Abascal's death has galvanized public sentiment, with protesters and officials alike condemning her passing as a result of the housing crisis. Her legacy as a symbol of resistance against rent profiteering and eviction has become a rallying point for ongoing protests and political maneuvering.