An 87-year-old woman was evicted from her Madrid home on Wednesday after living there for 71 years, drawing protests and renewed attention to Spain’s housing crisis.
Maricarmen Abascal was given 30 minutes to collect essential belongings before she was removed from the apartment on a stretcher with the assistance of social services officials. She was later taken away in an ambulance as supporters gathered outside and chanted, “Maricarmen, you’re not alone!” and “Murderers!”
The eviction has highlighted the growing difficulties faced by long-term tenants in major Spanish cities, where rising rents, gentrification and a shortage of affordable housing have increased pressure on residents.
Abascal’s apartment in Madrid’s affluent Retiro district had been acquired by investment fund Urbagestion, which sought a significant increase in her rent.
Her lawyer, Beatriz Duro, said court officials and representatives of Urbagestion declined requests to suspend the eviction despite a pending court filing, humanitarian appeals and efforts by public authorities to secure alternative accommodation.
Urbagestion did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Duro said an unidentified person had offered to cover Abascal’s rent, but the landlord refused to sign a new rental agreement.
“I’ve lived here for 71 years and I don’t want to leave,” Abascal told reporters before the eviction.
The eviction triggered tense scenes outside the building after protesters blocked the entrance. Reuters witnesses said police pushed and dragged demonstrators away, with some officers lifting protesters by their arms and legs as they cleared the doorway.
The incident comes as Spain continues to debate how best to address its worsening housing affordability problems.
The left-wing coalition government has backed stronger tenant protections and broader rent controls, but has faced difficulties securing parliamentary support, while Madrid’s regional government has favoured a more market-oriented approach.
Madrid regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso is also facing controversy over her government’s purchase of a €6.3 million ($7.2 million) luxury penthouse through a public real estate agency.
Opposition parties have accused Ayuso of seeking to use the property as her private residence while bypassing public spending and transparency rules, allegations she has denied.
During Wednesday’s eviction, protesters referenced the controversy by chanting, “Ayuso’s penthouse for Maricarmen!”
Goodness Anunobi
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