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The 87-year-old woman whose eviction sparked nationwide protests in Spain dies
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- María del Carmen Abascal, the 87-year-old woman whose eviction from her Madrid home sparked nationwide protests and a political crisis in Spain, died in hospital on Wednesday.
- Known as “Maricarmen,” she became a symbol for renters struggling with Spain’s housing affordability crisis, with her eviction on Sept. 23 prompting thousands to protest across the country.
- Despite a later agreement allowing her to return home, the Madrid Tenants’ Union said the resolution came too late to prevent her death, which has intensified public outrage and demands for housing reform.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other political leaders expressed condolences, while Sánchez called an early election hoping to address the housing crisis and reinvigorate his government.
- Maricarmen’s case has galvanized a social movement, led unions to announce a general strike, and highlighted the severe impact of rising rents, with many Spaniards spending a large portion of their income on housing.
