Story perspectives

Sánchez to Present “Maricarmen Decree” to Parliament Tuesday

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 10:18 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will present a housing decree to parliament on Tuesday.
The eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal on a stretcher sparked protests in Madrid.
Hundreds of protesters erected 100-150 tents in Puerta del Sol after the eviction.
Abascal’s rent rose 275 percent to €2,650, far above her €500 pension.
The “Maricarmen decree” would automatically renew contracts and tighten eviction rules.

History

Historical Context

The 2008-2014 Spanish financial crisis, sparked by a housing-bubble burst, led to a €19 billion state rescue of Bankia and pushed public debt from 60 % of GDP in 2010 to over 100 % later. The bailout fueled austerity and a 2011 constitutional amendment limiting deficits, while tenant-protection remained contentious. Today Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s “Maricarmen decree” revives the 2010 automatic-lease-renewal law amid rent-protest rallies.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will present a housing decree to parliament on Tuesday.
The eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal on a stretcher sparked protests in Madrid.
Hundreds of protesters erected 100-150 tents in Puerta del Sol after the eviction.
Abascal’s rent rose 275 percent to €2,650, far above her €500 pension.
The “Maricarmen decree” would automatically renew contracts and tighten eviction rules.

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