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Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old pensioner in Madrid, faced eviction from her home of over 70 years, sparking Spain's housing crisis protests and debates on rental reforms.
In Madrid, Spain, an 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen Abascal was evicted from her apartment of more than 70 years in 2018, following its purchase by investment firm Urbagestión. This event ignited a national movement against Spain's escalating housing crisis, with protests erupting across the country in September 2022. Abascal, a pensioner with a disability receiving €1,350 ($2,192) monthly, became a symbol of resistance as her case drew international attention.
Background and Eviction Details
Abascal had lived in her Retiro apartment since she was 17, witnessing historic events like Francisco Franco's death in 1975. After Urbagestión acquired the lease in 2018, the company attempted to raise her rent to €2,650 ($4,313), a 300 percent increase. This led to a court feud, with three eviction attempts blocked before a final order in 2018. The apartment, in upscale central Madrid, had been her sanctuary for decades.
The eviction sparked widespread anger over Spain's housing crisis. By August 2022, average rental prices had nearly doubled to €15.10 ($24.62) per square metre from a decade earlier, according to Idealista. Protesters gathered at Abascal's address, and on September 22, she addressed hundreds, urging them to fight for housing rights. Some demonstrators were dragged away by authorities.
Protests and Tenant Union Actions
Madrid's Tenant Union led encampments and protests, with spokesperson Valeria Racu outlining demands. Simón de la Riva, a 43-year-old teacher, said Abascal's case was the last straw after long-standing issues. Tent cities emerged in Barcelona, Seville, and Palma de Mallorca. The union announced mass protests for Saturday, with crowds chanting slogans like your profits, our misery outside Spain's assembly.
The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights called for halting the eviction and offering affordable housing. Madrid City Council noted Abascal declined an aged care home spot. After five days of protests and over four hours of meetings, Urbagestión offered an eight-year contract on September 28, capping rent at 30 percent of her net income.
Political Repercussions and Housing Reforms
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promised new housing regulations, including stopping vulture funds, an eviction ban for vulnerable tenants until 2030, and a tax on seasonal rentals. However, Congress rejected these measures on Friday, raising speculation of an early general election. Sánchez, lacking a majority, faces pressure as the crisis deepens.
Abascal stated she fought so others could learn to fight for what is theirs. Her case highlights Spain's broader housing struggles, with protests continuing. Urbagestión co-owner Ricardo Alonso expressed surprise at the outcome, noting such situations are common. The movement reflects growing discontent over housing affordability and investment practices.
Maricarmen Abascal Spain Housing Crisis Madrid Eviction Urbagestión Pedro Sánchez Tenant Protests Housing Reforms
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