Casablanca – Thousands of people marched through central Madrid yesterday following the death of Maricarmen Abascal, whose eviction has become a focal point in Spain’s housing crisis.
The Spanish government delegation estimated that around 20,000 people joined the demonstration. Protesters gathered at Puerta del Sol before marching toward Abascal’s former home, where people left flowers and candles in her memory.
The 87-year-old died Wednesday after spending about two weeks in hospital. Authorities had evicted her from her apartment on September 23 following a lengthy legal dispute over her right to remain under an old rental contract.
Abascal had lived in the apartment for around 71 years. The eviction followed a court order, but the circumstances have prompted debate over Spain’s tenant protection laws and the government’s response to the housing crisis.
Read also: Spain’s 87-Year-Old Eviction Symbol Maricarmen Abascal Dies in Madrid Hospital
Spain’s political divisions over housing have also deepened. The government’s proposed measures to extend certain eviction protections and rental safeguards faced opposition in Parliament, where conservative parties argued that the policies could discourage landlords from making homes available.
The Tenants’ Union has also continued to push for nationwide action. Trade unions CCOO and UGT have backed a general strike scheduled for November 11, with organizers demanding affordable housing alongside higher wages, shorter working hours and better working conditions.
Meanwhile, questions remain over the medical cause of Abascal’s death. Reports confirmed that she died after her hospitalization, but no official cause of death has been established yet. Political accusations surrounding her case have circulated online.
Her death has brought renewed attention to the pressures facing long-term tenants in Spain as protests continue over housing costs and eviction protections.
