Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman, died following her eviction from her apartment in Madrid on September 23. Her eviction was part of a broader housing crisis in Spain, which has led to nationwide protests and political turmoil. According to the Madrid Tenants' Union, Abascal was forcibly removed from her home of over 70 years due to an inability to afford rent increases. After her eviction, the property management company offered to allow her to return at a lower rent, but she was hospitalized and unable to sign the agreement.
The Madrid Tenants' Union announced her death, stating that her situation marked a significant moment in Spain's history. Union spokesperson Alicia del Río expressed that "speculation costs lives" and emphasized that Abascal's memory would continue to inspire the fight for housing rights.
Following the announcement of her death, a collective gasp was heard in Puerta del Sol, a square in Madrid where many had gathered to protest her eviction. A minute of silence was observed, and candles were lit in her memory. Protesters marched to the Spanish Congress, chanting against evictions and expressing solidarity with Abascal.
Abascal's eviction drew attention to the housing crisis in Spain, where her rent was increased from €500 to €2,650 per month after the property was purchased by Urbagestión in 2018. Despite three previous attempts to evict her being blocked by the courts, public anger over her situation led to protests across the country, culminating in calls for emergency housing legislation, which was ultimately rejected by Congress.
The Madrid Tenants' Union stated that while a historic agreement was reached that could have allowed Abascal to return home, it came too late. In a video recorded from her hospital bed, Abascal expressed her desire for others to learn to fight for their rights. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo both expressed condolences following her death.
The political fallout from Abascal's situation has been significant, leading to Sánchez calling for early elections on November 29 after failing to pass housing reforms. The political right has argued against government intervention in the housing market, suggesting it would exacerbate the crisis. Current opinion polls indicate that conservative parties may gain a majority in the upcoming election, potentially requiring support from the far-right Vox party to form a government.