Full Breakdown
Eviction of Maricarmen Abascal Triggers Massive Madrid Housing Protests
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Eviction and Immediate Aftermath
On September 23 police removed 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Retiro apartment after investment fund Urbagestión obtained a court order and raised her rent from €500 to €2,650 per month. Images of her on a stretcher sparked tens of thousands to march on September 26 and set up an encampment of roughly 100-150 tents in Puerta del Sol on September 27. Protesters vowed to stay until a new housing decree is approved.
Background & Context
Spain’s rental market has tightened since 2014, with average rents nearly doubling while salaries lag. Activists link the current protests to the 2011 “15-M” demonstrations, seeing the eviction as a catalyst for renewed housing-rights activism.
Data & Statistics
- Rent increase: €500 -> €2,650 per month (275 % rise) – Madrid Tenants’ Union.
- Rental price trend: Idealista reports average rent per m² rose from €12.8 in Aug 2016 to €23.3 in Aug 2026.
- Home-price surge: Idealista notes price per m² for purchases rose from €2,839 to €6,471 (? 127 % increase).
- Housing shortage: Bank of Spain estimates a deficit of about 550,000 homes.
- Turnout estimates: Government figures ~25,000 participants; the Tenants’ Union claims up to 300,000.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government is “working around the clock” to present a royal decree-law on housing. Minister Félix Bolaños rejected a Sumar proposal to expropriate the property, citing constitutional concerns. Yolanda Díaz and Pablo Bustinduy support fast-tracking the decree, which is expected to include automatic renewal of contracts and tighter eviction rules. Regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso blamed the national government, noting the police acted under existing law.
Criticism & Opposition
The People’s Party accused Sánchez of politicising the eviction. Within the coalition, Sumar calls for expropriation, while Podemos spokesperson Irene Montero warned against compromising with Junts, calling such deals “half measures.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Activists say the encampment hosts communal meals and workshops. Gonzalo Álvarez, spokesman for the Madrid Tenants’ Union, framed the protest as a demand for “structural changes” to treat housing as a basic necessity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Attendance figures vary: 25,000 (official) vs. 300,000 (union).
- Housing-shortage numbers differ: 550,000 (Bank of Spain) vs. higher estimates elsewhere.
- Details of the upcoming decree remain unclear; the full text has not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm asking you all to be courageous, to fight, to defend what belongs to us,” — Maricarmen Abascal.
- “We are demanding that this decree-law be enacted, to protect the right to housing and prevent evictions,” — Carlota, protester.
- “A strong message needs to be sent,” — Miriam Bue, tenants’ union spokesperson.
What’s Next
The government plans to present the housing decree to the Council of Ministers on Tuesday. Parliamentary approval is uncertain, as Sánchez’s party lacks a majority and faces opposition from the People’s Party and dissenting Sumar members. Activists say they will keep the Puerta del Sol encampment until a comprehensive package is enacted.