An 87-year-old Spanish woman who was evicted from her home due to a rent increase died of illness. News of her death sparked thousands of people to take to the streets to protest.

Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old Spanish woman, was forcibly evicted by the police from her residence last month because she could not afford the rent. Her experience triggered a wave of protests in major cities, leading Prime Minister Sanchez to announce early congressional elections. After the Madrid Tenants Union announced the death of Abascal today (8th), thousands of people took to the streets to protest, demanding that the government pay attention to housing justice.

"Reuters" reported that Abascal originally lived in a rental house in Madrid, the capital, for more than 70 years. However, her rental house was bought by an investment fund company and the rent increased significantly. She was forcibly evicted by the police on September 23 because she could not afford it. She was later hospitalized due to severe anxiety and mental exhaustion.

The image of Abascal being ruthlessly evicted caused public outrage, leading to protests across the country. The Spanish Congress rejected the government's decree to restrict evictions and limit rents. A series of events eventually forced Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to announce an early congressional election on November 29.

Abascal's lawyer explained that in fact, Abascal later reached an eight-year lease agreement with the landlord, allowing her to renew the lease at the original price. Abascal originally planned to sign the contract after her health improved, but she did not expect that she would fall asleep after being hospitalized.

News of Abascal's death once again triggered thousands of people to take to the streets to demonstrate. The crowd marched from the Puerta del Sol in central Madrid to the Congress, chanting "This is not death, this is murder!". The official cause of Abascal's death has not yet been announced.

Prime Minister Sanchez posted a message of condolences on the X platform, "I also send a hug to all of us who feel this personal pain today."

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of Spain's center-right opposition People's Party, posted on the