Thousands march in Madrid over eviction of 87-year-old woman

Thousands of individuals gathered in Madrid on Saturday to voice their disapproval over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, from her lifelong residence. The protest aimed to highlight the need for enhanced tenant protections and to address Spain's housing crisis, which has gained renewed attention following Abascal's eviction.

The march featured protesters rattling keys, blowing whistles, chanting slogans, and holding banners that read, "You could be the next Maricarmen." Enrique Ortega de Miguel, a 38-year-old graphic designer, lamented the current housing market as "impossible," stating that finding an affordable place to live and fearing eviction has become a constant struggle.

Alicia del Rio, a Madrid Tenants Union spokesperson, emphasized that Abascal's eviction marks a turning point, urging Spaniards to join the protest to prevent similar occurrences. Abascal herself, who has been hospitalized following the eviction, implored Spaniards to join the cause, stating that she wants her experience to prevent others from facing the same fate.

The government estimates around 25,000 people participated in the march, while organizers claim the turnout reached 300,000. The eviction of Abascal, who had lived in the apartment for 70 years, occurred after a real estate firm acquired the property and increased the rent by 275 percent to 2,650 euros ($3,000). Irene Lopez, a 33-year-old engineer, expressed the unsustainable nature of Spain's housing situation, noting that rents have become unaffordable relative to salaries.

Another protester, Maricarmen Arnedo, a 76-year-old pensioner, highlighted the plight of older individuals being displaced while younger generations struggle to move out of their parents' homes. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who previously pledged to prioritize housing, is facing mounting pressure to implement measures to address Spain's housing crisis.

The government plans to release a package of reforms, known as the "Maricarmen decree," which may include automatic renewal of rental contracts and stricter eviction restrictions. However, the bill's passage through parliament remains uncertain due to the government's lack of a majority. Spain's housing shortage is estimated at around 700,000 units, with analysts attributing the shortage to high demand driven by population growth and tourism.