Protests Erupt in Madrid Over Housing Crisis

In Madrid’s Puerta del Sol plaza, demonstrators camped overnight in response to the eviction of an 87-year-old woman. More protesters, including families, joined for a second day to address Spain’s housing crisis.

On Saturday, tens of thousands marched through Madrid against the eviction of María del Carmen Abascal from her apartment in the Retiro neighborhood, which was her home for over 70 years. They demanded stronger tenant protections, action against fraud, and a ban on evictions when no alternative housing is available. Many stayed in the plaza after the march, setting up tents overnight.

“The housing situation is unsustainable,” expressed Natalia Navarro, a 27-year-old protester. “We are all out on the street because we are fed up.”

Alicia del Río, representing the Madrid Tenants’ Union, stated the protests would continue until new laws are implemented, including indefinite rental contracts and a halt to evictions like Abascal’s. Spain’s government plans to discuss housing measures in its upcoming cabinet meeting.

Eviction Sparks Social Unrest

Abascal was forcibly removed from her home on September 23, sparking widespread outrage. The event attracted significant attention, with images spreading across Spain, highlighting the role of real estate firms known as “vulture funds.”

Simón de la Riva, a protest participant, remarked, “Maricarmen has been, in a way, the last straw that sparked this social unrest.”

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, addressing the protests, assured that the government is working to address the housing issue, urging parliamentary action for the same.

Abascal criticized Sánchez, questioning his awareness of daily evictions. The apartment she lived in originally rented by her father in 1956 was part of rent control until a new owner raised her rent significantly, making it unaffordable.

Rising Costs and Housing Shortage

Spain faces increasing housing costs despite strong economic growth. Housing affordability remains a challenge, exacerbated by population growth in urban areas. The Bank of Spain reported a housing shortage, particularly in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

The weekend demonstrations echoed the 2011 “indignados movement,” where prolonged protests responded to economic issues including unemployment and evictions. Today’s protests highlight the inability to afford even rented spaces.

Spain offers limited subsidized public rental housing, below the European average, contributing to the current housing issues.

Estefania Molina highlighted the change in protest dynamics, noting a shift from issues with buying to challenges in renting.