Thousands march in Madrid for pensioner who became face of Spain’s housing crisis

On October 9, thousands of mourners marched through Madrid to honor 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, whose eviction ignited housing protests across the nation. The demonstration started in Madrid's Puerta del Sol, where an improvised shrine of candles, flowers, and placards stood. Abascal, who had lived in her apartment for 70 years, died in the hospital two weeks after being evicted when the rent was dramatically increased by the real estate company.

Her death became a symbol of Spain's housing crisis and the catalyst for nationwide protests. Rosa Marin, a 48-year-old teacher, said that Abascal's death "made us wake up and say 'enough.'" The march, attended by people of all ages, chanted slogans such as "they aren't deaths, they are murders." The government's preliminary estimate put the number of attendees at 20,000.

Abascal's former home in the affluent Retiro district was one of many sites where the protesters gathered. The left-wing government had agreed to a deal with the real estate firm, allowing Abascal to return to her former residence at a lower rent, but she ultimately passed away in the hospital. The conservative and far-right opposition voted against the Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's measures to protect vulnerable tenants and automatically renew contracts, leading Sanchez to call for early elections.

Sanchez, who is trailing in most polls, faces scrutiny on whether he can capitalize on the public anger. Retiree Manuel Martin criticized the "inept" politicians, stating that housing is a structural issue that requires national attention. Juana Sotillos, a pensioner, also criticized Sanchez for doing nothing about housing during his eight years in power.