Full Breakdown
Spain’s Housing Crisis Spotlighted by the Eviction of 87-Year-Old Maricarmen Abascal
By Drooid · · How we work
The Eviction That Ignited Mass Protests
On September 23, police evicted Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old tenant who had lived in the same Madrid flat for more than seven decades. She was removed on a stretcher after being given only 30 minutes to collect essential belongings. The apartment, located in the upscale Retiro neighbourhood, had been bought by the investment fund Urbagestión, which raised the rent from €500 to €2,650 per month—a 430 % increase. Even after the fund later reduced the rent to €1,650, Abascal could not afford the amount on her pension.
Background & Context
Spain’s rental market has become increasingly detached from average incomes. Rents rose 80 % over the past decade, while home prices climbed 63 %. Government figures show that social housing accounts for just 2.5 % of the national stock, compared with 14 % in France and 34 % in the Netherlands. The Bank of Spain estimates a shortage of about 550,000 homes, with Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia bearing a large share. Short-term tourist rentals and investment-fund purchases are frequently cited as drivers of the shortage.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
His government plans to present a package dubbed the “Maricarmen decree,” which would automatically renew rental contracts and tighten eviction rules.
Criticism & Opposition
Unai Sordo, head of the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), argued that “homes are for living in, not for large corporations to do business,” calling for a tax system that makes
Amnesty International Spain warned that “Maricarmen’s case is not an isolated incident; it is just one more example of the suffering endured by thousands of households in Spain,” urging “bold measures” and concrete action beyond statements of regret.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Homes are for living in, not for large corporations to do business,” — Unai Sordo
- “Maricarmen’s case is not an isolated incident; it is just one more example of the suffering endured by thousands of households in Spain,” — Amnesty International Spain
- “I haven’t managed to defend my home, but I have fought so that others can learn to fight for what’s theirs,” — Maricarmen Abascal
- “I've lived here for 71 years and I don't want to leave,” — Wednesday. Maricarmen
What’s Next
The “Maricarmen decree” is expected to be debated at the next cabinet meeting, but its passage remains uncertain because Sánchez’s coalition lacks a parliamentary majority. Opposition parties have previously blocked similar legislation. Meanwhile, activists have set up a protest camp in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, with some participants planning to remain until authorities remove the tents.
The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal has transformed a single legal case into a national flashpoint, amplifying calls for systemic reforms to Spain’s housing market and highlighting the political divide over how to address the country’s deepening affordability crisis.