Thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid on Thursday evening to honor María del Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old pensioner whose eviction two weeks before her death sparked widespread protests across Spain concerning the ongoing housing crisis.
Abascal’s flat had been acquired by an investment firm that sought to raise her rent by 230%, leading to her forced eviction after three prior attempts to remove her failed. She passed away in a hospital Wednesday night, turning her into a national symbol for housing rights and fueling demands for reforms.
March and Memorial in Madrid
The march, organized by the Madrid tenants’ union, began at the protest camp in Puerta del Sol and proceeded to Abascal’s longtime home, where a growing memorial had already drawn supporters. Attendees lit candles, left flowers, and left messages praising Maricarmen’s impact on Spain’s housing movement.
Among the crowd was Sara, a 41-year-old mother who expressed that Maricarmen’s death exemplifies institutional neglect. “This woman could have died peacefully in her own home if people were prioritized over investors,” she said, highlighting the human cost of housing insecurity.
Political Reactions and Controversies
The eviction and Abascal’s death intensified debates in Spain’s political arena. The socialist-led government introduced emergency rental market measures aimed at fairness, but rightwing and far-right parties voted against them. This opposition contributed to the announcement of a snap general election scheduled for November 29.
Both Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People’s Party (PP), offered condolences. However, Feijóo later accused the government of politicizing the tragedy. Attempts by PP and far-right factions to hold moments of silence in legislative bodies were also blocked, stirring further tensions.
Broader Impact on Spain’s Housing Crisis
Maricarmen’s case has brought renewed attention to the daily reality faced by many Spaniards—an estimated 44 people are evicted nationwide each day. Activists hope her story will humanize the crisis and pressure authorities to act.
Housing advocates who supported Maricarmen described her as a symbol of the struggle for decent housing. As Miguel, a 59-year-old campaigner, remarked while adding a rose to the memorial, “When money is more powerful than lives, it’s unbelievable. Her death could mark a turning point in Spain’s approach to housing rights.”
