Story perspectives

Protesters Demand Housing Reforms After 275% Rent Hikes

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 2:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Police broke down the door of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal’s Madrid apartment, evicting her on September 23, 2026.
The investment fund that bought the unit raised the rent from €500 to €2,650, a 275% increase.
Hundreds of citizens set up a protest camp at Puerta del Sol, pledging to stay until housing reforms pass.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government will present a housing Royal Decree on Tuesday.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, Spain's housing bubble burst, with house prices falling about 37% from 2007-2013 and construction sales dropping 72% in Q1 2008, leading the Bank of Spain and the government to monitor the market and introduce rental subsidies. The legacy of that crisis underlies the September 2026 eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, sparking a Puerta del Sol protest demanding reform.

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Story summary

Police broke down the door of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal’s Madrid apartment, evicting her on September 23, 2026.
The investment fund that bought the unit raised the rent from €500 to €2,650, a 275% increase.
Hundreds of citizens set up a protest camp at Puerta del Sol, pledging to stay until housing reforms pass.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government will present a housing Royal Decree on Tuesday.

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