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Spain Evicts 87-Year-Old as Rent Crisis Spurs Protests

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 2:24 AM UTC · How we work

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Lease Renewal Decree

Police evicted 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her apartment in Madrid’s Retiro neighbourhood on Wednesday.
The eviction underscored Spain’s housing crisis, with soaring rents and weak tenant protections sparking mass protests.
Spanish officials said roughly 25,000 marched in Madrid demanding rent controls and stricter eviction rules.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a decree to automatically renew leases and further limit evictions.

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Fund Hikes Rent

Police evicted 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her apartment in Madrid’s Retiro neighbourhood on Wednesday.
Regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso blamed the national government for inciting riots over the eviction, calling it unlawful.
Police broke down the door and put Abascal on a stretcher to enforce court order.
A real-estate investment fund that bought the building raised the rent 275 % to €2,650 total.

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Lease Renewal Decree

Police evicted 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her apartment in Madrid’s Retiro neighbourhood on Wednesday.
The eviction underscored Spain’s housing crisis, with soaring rents and weak tenant protections sparking mass protests.
Spanish officials said roughly 25,000 marched in Madrid demanding rent controls and stricter eviction rules.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a decree to automatically renew leases and further limit evictions.

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