An 87-year-old Spanish pensioner, Maricarmen Abascal, has agreed to return to her home in Madrid after a deal with her landlord's company, according to her lawyer. The eviction, which sparked nationwide protests, has led to calls for housing reform in Spain.
Abascal, who was forcibly removed from her apartment on a stretcher on September 23, 2026, is set to return home under a new agreement. Her lawyer, Beatriz Duro, said the deal was the result of social mobilization and aims to prevent similar evictions. The agreement still needs approval from Abascal, who is currently in hospital.
The deal comes as Spain's government faces pressure to address the housing crisis, with thousands of protesters camping in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square. The government has agreed to introduce housing reforms, but critics argue the proposed legislation falls short of protesters' demands. The crisis highlights the urgent need for more affordable housing and rent controls in Spain.
The eviction of Abascal has sparked widespread public outrage, with many calling for stronger tenant protections. While the government has agreed to a temporary solution, protesters continue to demand deeper reforms to address the housing shortage and rising rents in Spain.