Protests centered on the eviction of an elderly woman have intensified in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol plaza, drawing diverse demonstrators, including families, demanding action on Spain’s housing crisis.
A large crowd marched in Madrid last Saturday against the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, who lived in the Retiro neighborhood for over 70 years. Demonstrators called for improved tenant protections, anti-fraud measures, and a ban on evictions without alternative housing. Many protesters stayed in the plaza overnight, pitching tents.
“The housing situation is unsustainable,” said Natalia Navarro, a young actress participating in the protest. Her sentiment echoed the broader frustration felt by protesters.
Alicia del Río, representing the Madrid Tenants’ Union, noted the strong wave of public indignation. The union demands legislative change, including indefinite rental contracts and halting evictions like Abascal’s.
Spain’s government plans to introduce new housing measures soon. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez communicated his support for these efforts, addressing Abascal directly. News of her eviction, which involved carrying her out by stretcher, spurred nationwide outrage against alleged profiteering by real estate companies.
The eviction highlighted the challenges faced by residents as investment firms, dubbed “vulture funds,” raise rents beyond people’s means. Abascal’s case illustrated these issues. Her rent, initially 500 euros, soared to 2,650 euros under new ownership, exceeding her pension.
Pervasive issues in Spain, including rising living costs, housing shortages, and inadequate wage growth, fuel frustrations. The Bank of Spain cited a deficit of around 550,000 homes, primarily in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
The current protests are reminiscent of the 2011 “indignados movement,” which responded to widespread economic distress. The movement began with similar demonstrations in Madrid’s plaza, focusing on unemployment, austerity, and corruption.
Political scientist Estefania Molina highlighted how public housing assistance remains scarce compared to other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development members, constituting less than 2% of Spain’s housing stock, strikingly lower than the EU average of 8%.
Activists and concerned citizens continue urging improvements amid escalating housing challenges in Spain.