Spain: 87-year-old disabled woman evicted after 70 years of renting, sparks anti-rent protests

On September 23, 87-year-old disabled Maricarmen Abascal was forcibly removed from her apartment in Madrid, where she had lived for over 70 years. The woman was taken out on a stretcher and taken to hospital. The event sparked nationwide outrage and sparked mass protests against rising rents and the housing crisis.

The apartment, which had been rented by the Abascal family since 1956, was bought in 2018 by the investment company Urbagestión. The new owner increased the rent from EUR 500 to as much as EUR 2,650 per month. Even after the reduction to EUR 1,650, this amount far exceeded the financial capabilities of the senior woman, whose monthly pension was EUR 1,350.

Wave of protests and social pressure

Maricarmen's eviction sparked a wave of protests across Spain. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid, demanding protection for tenants and effective solutions to the housing shortage. According to the Bank of Spain, there is a shortage of as many as 700,000 housing units in the country.

Under public pressure and nationwide outrage, both sides reached an agreement. The senior citizen will be able to return to her apartment under conditions similar to the previous ones. Her lawyer emphasized that it was the result of social mobilization. The contract is to be signed when Maricarmen feels better.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the introduction of new solutions to improve the situation of tenants. The government plans to present specific proposals during the next cabinet meeting.

Although Maricarmen's return to housing is considered a success, her supporters announce further fight for tenants' rights and access to affordable housing.