Eviction of woman aged 87 highlights Spain's housing shortage
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- An 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen was evicted from her Madrid home of seven decades after being unable to pay a rent hike imposed by investment firm Urbagestión, which raised her rent from €500 to €1,650 despite her €1,350 pension.
- The eviction sparked protests with hundreds of supporters, including celebrities, gathering to oppose the move, while police used force to clear demonstrators from the building entrance.
- The UN called for the eviction to be halted and affordable housing offered, but Maricarmen declined local government housing offers, and a last-minute rent payment offer from an anonymous donor was reportedly rejected by Urbagestión.
- The eviction highlights Spain's severe housing crisis, marked by soaring rents—over 100% increase in Madrid in the last decade—and widespread public anger at real estate speculation and market deregulation.
- Spain's government has condemned speculative practices driving up housing costs and pledged to protect vulnerable renters, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasizing the need to shield those most exposed to market greed.
