- Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman, was evicted from her Madrid flat last Wednesday after living there for 70 years.
- Following her eviction, nearly 10,000 people protested in Madrid that afternoon, with solidarity protests occurring in other cities such as Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.
- On Saturday, a demonstration in Madrid drew around 25,000 participants according to the Government Delegation, while the Tenants' Union estimates the number at up to 300,000.
- The protest led to the establishment of an encampment in Puerta del Sol, where around 150 tents were pitched overnight, growing from about 100 tents.
- Protesters are demanding a housing decree on Tuesday that includes a rent freeze and have warned of government collapse if it is not approved.
- Maricarmen Abascal's eviction has become known as the "Maricarmen effect", triggering protests in 40 cities under the slogan "Not one more Maricarmen".
- Abascal's eviction has drawn attention to the housing crisis in Spain, where rent has nearly doubled in a decade.
- Abascal, who lived in her apartment since 1956, faced eviction after the real estate company Urbagestin demanded a rent increase that was up to four times higher than her previous rent.
- Despite efforts to negotiate a solution, including mediation through the state housing agency, Abascal's eviction proceeded without any alternative housing being offered.
Protests in Madrid have intensified following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was forced from her home after 70 years. The encampment at Puerta del Sol now hosts around 150 tents, reflecting widespread anger over Spain's housing crisis.147
The demonstration, which began with 25,000 participants according to government estimates, has been dubbed the “Maricarmen effect”, igniting solidarity protests across 40 cities under the slogan “Not one more Maricarmen”. The Madrid Tenants' Union has called for urgent reforms, including a freeze on rents, as a government decree is expected on Tuesday.3
Gonzalo Álvarez, a spokesperson for the union, emphasized the need for housing to be treated as a basic necessity rather than a financial asset. He warned that failure to pass the decree could lead to a withdrawal of support from the government’s left-wing partners.
Maricarmen's eviction has highlighted the severe housing crisis in Spain, where rents have nearly doubled in a decade. Her attorney, Beatriz Duro, noted that despite attempts to negotiate with the property company, no viable solutions were found. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has promised to work on a housing decree, addressing Maricarmen directly during a rally.5
The encampment reflects a growing frustration with the government’s handling of housing issues, as many citizens rally for change in the face of rising living costs and evictions.
“The encampment, which began with around 100 tents and grew to 150, echoes the 2011 15-M movement, with protesters chanting 'Not one more Maricarmen.' Prime Minister Sánchez directly addressed Maricarmen, promising a Royal Decree on housing next Tuesday, while the Tenants' Union warns of government collapse if it fails.”
Euronews.com
