Tens of thousands of people marched in Madrid to protest Spain's housing crisis after an 87-year-old woman was evicted from her home. The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, who had lived in the apartment for 70 years, sparked widespread demonstrations calling for tenant protections and measures to curb rising housing costs. Government officials reported around 25,000 participants, while organizers estimated 300,000 took part in the protest.
Abascal, who had lived in the apartment since 1956, was forced out after a real estate firm raised her rent by 275% to 2,650 euros. The building changed hands in 2018, and Abascal was offered the opportunity to buy the apartment but could not afford it. Courts had previously blocked three eviction attempts, and she has since been hospitalized for exhaustion. Demonstrators carried signs reading 'we are all Maricarmen' and some set up a camp in Puerta del Sol square.
Spain's housing shortage, exacerbated by tourism and immigration, has led to a shortage of 550,000 homes. The country ranks near the bottom of OECD nations in public rental housing, with less than 2% of available supply. The government is expected to introduce measures including automatic renewal of rental contracts, but lacks a parliamentary majority. Abascal's case has intensified pressure on political leaders to address the crisis.
The eviction highlights the growing tension between rising rents and affordability, with many Spaniards struggling to find affordable housing. Analysts note that the housing market is under strain due to limited supply and high demand, with public housing stock reduced by previous policies that sold public-funded homes into private ownership.