An 87-year-old woman was evicted from her Madrid home of over seven decades on Wednesday, despite fierce protests from hundreds of people and criticism from the government. Maricarmen Abascal was given just 30 minutes to leave with essential belongings before being removed from the building on a stretcher, accompanied by social services officials, and driven away in an ambulance. Supporters chanted "Maricarmen, you're not alone!" and "Murderers!" as she was taken away.
The eviction highlights the mounting pressure on long-term tenants in major Spanish cities, where soaring rents, gentrification, and a shortage of affordable housing have fueled social and political tension. The apartment in Madrid's affluent Retiro neighborhood was acquired by an investment fund seeking a steep rent increase. Maricarmen's lawyer, Beatriz Duro, said court officials and investment fund representatives refused to suspend the eviction despite a pending court filing and humanitarian appeals.
Maricarmen's case has sparked widespread outrage, with activists and protesters blocking the entrance to the building and clashing with police. Witnesses saw officers dragging and pushing demonstrators, lifting some by their arms and legs, as they cleared the doorway. The eviction has become a symbol of the struggle for affordable housing in Spain, with many criticizing the government's handling of the crisis.
The Spanish government has been divided over how to tackle the housing affordability crisis. The left-wing coalition government has pushed for stronger tenant protections and wider rent controls, but has struggled to secure backing in a divided parliament. The conservative-led Madrid regional government has favored a more market-oriented approach, which has been criticized by activists and opposition parties.
The Madrid regional leader, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, is embroiled in a scandal regarding her government's purchase of a €6.3m luxury penthouse. The opposition accuses Ayuso of seeking to use the property as her personal residence while bypassing public spending and transparency rules, which she denies. Activists at Wednesday's eviction shouted "Ayuso's penthouse for Maricarmen!" in reference to the scandal.
Maricarmen had lived in the apartment for 71 years and had expressed her desire to stay. Her lawyer said an anonymous individual had offered to cover the rent payments, but the landlord declined to sign a new lease. The eviction has sparked a national debate about the need for affordable housing and the protection of long-term tenants in Spain.
The housing crisis in Spain is expected to continue to be a major issue in the coming months, with many activists and opposition parties calling for stronger tenant protections and more affordable housing. The government faces pressure to find a solution to the crisis, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn.
Key points
- The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal has highlighted the need for affordable housing and stronger tenant protections in Spain.
- The Spanish government has been divided over how to tackle the housing affordability crisis.
- The housing crisis in Spain is expected to continue to be a major issue in the coming months.
