Protests Erupt in Spain Over Housing Crisis Following Elderly Woman’s Eviction

Protesters gathered in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol plaza, sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman. The eviction has ignited calls for stronger laws to protect renters.

On Saturday, tens of thousands marched through Madrid, protesting the removal of María del Carmen Abascal from her apartment in the Retiro neighborhood. Demonstrators demand better tenant protections and measures against fraud. Many stayed overnight in the plaza.

Unstoppable Wave of Anger

Natalia Navarro, a protester, said the housing situation is unsustainable. Alicia del Río of the Madrid Tenants’ Union stated the anger is unstoppable and vowed to stay until new laws are enacted.

Spain’s government might announce new measures next Tuesday.

“The eviction sparked this social unrest,” said Simón de la Riva, a protester. Images of Abascal being evicted circulated widely, fueling outrage. Critics blamed real estate companies, often called “vulture funds.”

Prime Minister’s Response

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed Abascal at a rally, promising new housing measures. Abascal criticized Sánchez, questioning the government’s awareness of daily evictions.

The Injustice Behind Eviction

Abascal’s father rented the apartment in 1956. She became the tenant under rent controls after her parents’ death. The building’s ownership changed in 2018, and her rent rose drastically, making it unaffordable.

Economic Pressure

Spain faces rising housing costs and shortages, with robust economic growth failing to match escalating housing prices. The Bank of Spain identified a shortage of about 550,000 homes last year, with major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia significantly affected.

Historical Context

The demonstrations are reminiscent of the 2011 “indignados movement,” a large protest against evictions and economic issues. Estefania Molina noted that current frustrations are growing worse, as people struggle to rent rooms, compared to past difficulties in purchasing homes.

Spain ranks low among OECD countries regarding subsidized public rental housing, with less than 2% of the nation’s housing stock being subsidized, compared to an EU average of 8%.