Thousands of Spaniards march to mark death of octogenarian at heart of housing protests

Key Points:

• Thousands of Spaniards marched in Madrid to honor Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman whose eviction sparked nationwide protests and a snap election called for November 29.
• Abascal, hospitalized for severe anxiety and exhaustion since her eviction on September 23, died on Wednesday; no official cause of death has been announced, but protesters blame landlords' greed and harsh housing policies.
• The eviction crisis has intensified political tensions, with left-wing parties criticizing conservatives for blocking rental price controls, while right-wing leaders blame the Socialist government for failing to address the housing shortage.
• Protesters and lawmakers have expressed outrage over Abascal’s death, viewing her as a symbol of resistance against exploitative housing practices, while the conservative People's Party refused to hold a minute of silence in her honor.
• A recent poll shows strong public support for government intervention in the housing market, and the Ombudsman called for comprehensive measures including expanding public housing and strengthening eviction protections.