Spanish government pushes for new housing decree after eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen

Spain's government aims to push through a new housing decree during a cabinet meeting next Tuesday, as a response to the controversial eviction of an 87-year-old woman named María del Carmen 'Maricarmen' Abascal from her home in Madrid. This eviction occurred after the woman had lived in the property for over 70 years, despite efforts by residents to protest and even an offer to cover her rent. The case has reignited discussions surrounding housing costs and tenant protections in Spain.

Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez announced the government's intention to present the Royal Decree-law to the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, but emphasized that approval alone would not suffice. The decree requires approval from the Spanish Congress as well, in order to remain effective.

Rodríguez stated that there seemed to be a greater public consensus on the need for action in housing matters compared to political parties. She urged the political parties to reach an agreement on these issues, citing the possibility of 'stirring the conscience' of those parties that had initially held differing positions.

Maricarmen, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, faced eviction from her apartment in Madrid’s Retiro district after a prolonged legal battle with a property investment company called Urbagestión Desarrollo e Inversión. She had been residing there since 1956 and was paying a reduced rent under a rent-controlled tenancy arrangement. Hundreds of people gathered outside the building in an attempt to prevent the eviction, with police eventually removing protesters from the building.

The incident has come to symbolize Spain's ongoing debate over housing costs and tenant protections. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as a 'social tragedy' in a speech given in New York. Political leaders, including Madrid's regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso, have engaged in heated debates over the issue.

The government is working on provisions for the proposed decree, which may include an anti-eviction moratorium protecting individuals who cannot be quickly provided with suitable alternative accommodation. The precise text of the decree is still under negotiation, and the government is looking to gain the support of political parties such as Junts per Catalunya and Podemos.