Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old Spanish pensioner whose forcible eviction from her apartment of more than 70 years ignited nationwide demonstrations over the country’s housing crisis and a political dispute that led to early elections, has died. The Madrid Tenants’ Union confirmed her passing on Wednesday.
Abascal was removed from her home on a stretcher in September after she could no longer afford steep rent increases. Following the eviction, the building’s owner offered to let her return at a reduced rate; however, she was unable to sign the agreement because she had been hospitalized.
“We regret to announce that Maricarmen passed away today,” the union stated, describing her plight as “a turning point in the history of this country.”
Her case quickly became a focal point for public anger regarding housing affordability in Spain. The ensuing protests pressured the coalition government to introduce emergency housing legislation, though the measures were ultimately rejected by Congress. This rejection sparked further unrest, with tens of thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets across multiple cities over the weekend.
Referencing the failed bills, the union noted that while a historic compromise had been reached to allow Abascal to return home, it arrived too late. “An absolutely avoidable situation after a torturing process,” the statement read.
The government claims progress, but what good is legislation if vulnerable people are still swept aside?
I saw the protests when this happened. Her dignity was stolen, not just her home. A tragedy.
Is it really so shocking that a pensioner couldn’t afford rent in 2024? Our systems are broken.
It breaks my heart that justice came too late. She should never have been removed like that.