87-Year-Old Woman Dies After Eviction in Spain, Sparking Protests

<p>The death of an 87-year-old woman following her eviction from her longtime home has intensified a political crisis in Spain, where protests over rising housing costs have led to an early election. María del Carmen Abascal, known as "Maricarmen," died on Wednesday after being hospitalized following her eviction from a Madrid apartment where she had lived for 70 years, according to The Associated Press.</p><p>Her death occurred shortly after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a snap election for November 29, following his government's failure to pass emergency housing measures through Parliament.</p><p>The situation has increased pressure on Sánchez's Socialist Party amid widespread frustration over rising rents and housing affordability in Spain.</p><p>Abascal's eviction on September 23 drew national attention when images showed her being carried from her apartment on a stretcher, as she used a wheelchair. Police had cordoned off the street and removed demonstrators who attempted to prevent the eviction.</p><p>The images led to demonstrations in Madrid and other cities, turning Abascal into a symbol of the housing crisis in the country. The real estate company responsible for her eviction sought to lease the apartment at a significantly higher price, according to the AP.</p><p>Under public pressure, the company eventually agreed to allow Abascal to return to her home, but she died before she could move back. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.</p><p>Following the news of her death, demonstrators gathered outside Spain's Parliament and in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square, where some observed a minute of silence. Protesters chanted, "Maricarmen lives, the fight goes on!"</p><p>Sánchez offered condolences in a statement on X, expressing his sympathies to Abascal's family and stating, "All my love to Maricarmen's family and loved ones. A hug as well to all of us who feel this loss as our own today. Rest in peace." Conservative opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo also expressed condolences and urged political leaders not to exploit the woman's death for political gain, stating, "No campaign, no party, no use for political advantage. When faced with the death of a person, we must only show respect." Abascal's eviction and subsequent death have become a rallying point for housing activists demanding changes to Spain's rental policies as the country approaches its November election.</p><p>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</p>