Protests erupted in Madrid’s historic Puerta del Sol plaza following the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal. Demonstrators gathered to demand stronger laws to protect renters. The protests began on Saturday, with tens of thousands marching through Madrid, and many continued by camping overnight at the plaza.
The eviction of Abascal from her long-time home in Retiro ignited widespread anger. Protesters are calling for more robust tenant protections, measures against fraud, and a ban on evictions without alternative housing. Natalia Navarro, a 27-year-old actress, expressed the frustration of many: “The housing situation is unsustainable. We are fed up.” Alicia del Río from the Madrid Tenants’ Union emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “We will remain here” until the government enacts necessary changes.
Spain’s government, led by socialists, plans to address housing concerns in its upcoming cabinet meeting. On September 23, Abascal was forcibly removed from her home. Supporters chanted “Maricarmen” in solidarity as she was taken away. From her hospital bed, Abascal commented, “I haven’t managed to defend my home, but I fought for others to learn to fight for what’s theirs.”
“Maricarmen has been the catalyst for social unrest,” said Simón de la Riva, a protester and teacher.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the issue directly at a Socialist Party rally, promising action: “The government is working on a Royal Decree to address housing issues.” Abascal criticized Sánchez, questioning his awareness of daily evictions and urging for change.
Abascal’s housing struggle began when the apartment, first rented by her father in 1956, changed ownership in 2018. The new owner, an investment fund, increased her rent significantly, making it unaffordable on her pension. Initially, the rent was raised from 500 euros to 2,650 euros, later reduced to 1,650 euros, which was still beyond her means.
The housing crisis in Spain is exacerbated by rising costs and shortages, despite economic growth. The Bank of Spain highlighted a shortage of 550,000 homes last year, with major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia facing intense pressure. Spain’s subsidized public rental housing is less than 2% of its housing stock, well below the European Union average of 8%.
Current demonstrations remind many of the 2011 “indignados movement,” which also addressed evictions and economic concerns. Estefania Molina, a political analyst, noted the shift in protest focus: “In 2011, people protested because they couldn’t buy a home. Today, it’s about not being able to rent a room.”