Summary (tl;dr)

The eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal from her Madrid apartment due to unaffordable rent increases has ignited widespread protests across Spain and prompted the government to propose new housing protection measures.

Essential Background

María del Carmen Abascal, known as "Maricarmen," had resided in her apartment in Madrid's Retiro district for over seven decades since 1956. The building was acquired by an investment firm, Urbagestión, in 2018, which subsequently increased her monthly rent significantly from approximately €500 to a reported €1,650, a sum she could not afford on her €1,350 pension. This situation is set against the backdrop of Spain's ongoing housing crisis, characterized by rising rents, a scarcity of affordable housing, and a traditionally low stock of public rental housing. Evictions due to unpaid rent are a persistent issue in the country.

The Full Story

On September 23, 2026, María del Carmen Abascal was forcibly evicted from her long-time home in Madrid, being carried out on a stretcher. Her eviction immediately sparked intense public outrage, leading to widespread protests in Madrid, particularly around the iconic Puerta del Sol, where thousands gathered and some established encampments. Similar demonstrations also occurred in other Spanish cities. In response to the escalating protests and public pressure, the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, announced a package of new measures aimed at tackling the housing crisis. These proposed measures include extending protection against evictions for vulnerable citizens until 2030, regulating room rentals, implementing a new tax on seasonal rentals, and banning "speculative real estate purchases by vulture funds" until 2028. Amidst these developments, Maricarmen, who was hospitalized following her eviction due to stress and exhaustion, has since reached an agreement with the property owner allowing her to return to her apartment with her rent capped at 30% of her income, not exceeding €500 per month. The proposed government measures now await ratification by parliament within 30 days.

Why It Matters

The eviction of María del Carmen Abascal has become a powerful symbol of Spain's severe housing crisis and the wider struggle for housing rights amidst increasing rents and the activities of investment funds. The widespread public demonstrations underscore deep-seated dissatisfaction with housing affordability and existing tenant protections. The government's rapid response and the introduction of the so-called "Maricarmen decree" highlight the significant political and societal impact of this case, which could lead to substantial legislative reforms aimed at safeguarding vulnerable tenants and regulating the real estate market. The outcome of these measures and the ongoing citizen movement have the potential to shape Spain's future housing policies and may serve as an example for other countries grappling with similar housing challenges.

Geographic Location

• Retiro district, Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain (María del Carmen Abascal's eviction)
• Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain (main protest site and encampment)
• Presidential Palace, Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain (announcement of new housing measures)
• Parliament, Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain (ratification of new housing measures)