An 87-year-old woman who was evicted from her home of 70 years in Madrid has died, sparking widespread outrage and protests across Spain. María del Carmen Abascal, known as "Maricarmen," was hospitalized after being carried from her apartment on a stretcher during the eviction on September 23. Her death has intensified a political crisis in the country, where nationwide protests over soaring housing costs have led to an early election being called for November 29.
The controversy has put renewed pressure on the Socialist Party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as Spain grapples with widespread frustration over rising rents and housing affordability. The real estate company responsible for Abascal's eviction had sought to lease the apartment at a substantially higher price. The images of Abascal being carried from her home on a stretcher sparked demonstrations in Madrid and other Spanish cities, with the elderly woman becoming a symbol of the country's housing crisis.
After news of her death, demonstrators gathered outside Spain's Parliament and in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square, where some observed a minute of silence. Protesters also chanted, "Maricarmen lives, the fight goes on!" Sánchez offered condolences in a statement, saying "All my love to Maricarmen's family and loved ones. A hug as well to all of us who feel this loss as our own today. Rest in peace."
The opposition leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, also expressed condolences and urged political leaders not to use Abascal's death for political gain. The eviction and death of Abascal have become a rallying point for housing activists demanding changes to Spain's rental policies as the country prepares for its November election.
The early election, called by Sánchez after his government's failure to pass emergency housing measures through Parliament, is seen as a response to the growing public pressure over housing costs.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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