MADRID (AP) — Protesters camped overnight in Madrid's Puerta del Sol plaza in response to the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, which has sparked a larger movement regarding Spain's housing crisis. On Saturday, tens of thousands marched through the city, demanding stronger tenant protections, measures to combat fraud, and a ban on evictions when alternative housing is unavailable.
Many protesters remained in the plaza after the march, setting up tents to continue their demonstration. Natalia Navarro, a 27-year-old actress, expressed frustration with the housing situation, stating, "We are all out on the street because we are fed up."
Alicia del Río, a spokesperson for the Madrid Tenants' Union, emphasized the need for new laws, including indefinite rental contracts, and pledged to remain in the plaza until these demands are met. The Socialist-led government is expected to propose new housing measures in its cabinet meeting next Tuesday.
On September 23, Abascal was forcibly removed from her apartment in the upscale Retiro neighborhood, where she had lived for over 70 years. Supporters attempted to prevent her eviction, chanting her nickname, "Maricarmen." In a video from her hospital bed, Abascal stated, "I haven't managed to defend my home, but I have fought so that others can learn to fight for what's theirs."
The eviction has drawn widespread criticism of public authorities and real estate investment firms, often referred to as "vulture funds," for contributing to rising housing costs. Simón de la Riva, a teacher who participated in the protests, noted that Abascal's eviction has become a symbol of the broader issue.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed Abascal during a Socialist Party rally, assuring her that the government is working on a Royal Decree regarding housing. He urged parliamentary groups to support the legislation.
Abascal has criticized Sánchez, questioning his awareness of the daily evictions occurring in Spain. Reports indicate that her father rented the apartment in 1956, and after her parents passed away, she remained there under rent controls. Following a change in ownership in 2018, her rent was increased significantly, making it unaffordable on her pension.
The Bank of Spain reported a housing shortage of approximately 550,000 homes last year, particularly affecting cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Despite economic growth, rising housing costs have outpaced income growth, exacerbating the crisis.
The protests in Madrid echo the historic demonstrations of the "indignados movement" in 2011, which addressed similar issues of evictions and economic hardship. Political scientist Estefania Molina noted that current protests reflect a shift in focus from purchasing homes to the inability to rent.
Spain's subsidized public rental housing is among the lowest in the OECD, accounting for less than 2% of the housing stock, compared to the EU average of 8%.