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Madrid protest follows tenant eviction
Maricarmen Abascal’s eviction drew a Madrid protest and an overnight camp seeking stronger tenant protections.
What happened
Tens of thousands marched in Madrid after Maricarmen Abascal was removed from the apartment where she had long lived. The protest demanded stronger tenant protections, action on rising rents and limits on evictions without alternative housing. Hundreds then camped overnight in Puerta del Sol.
Numbers
- 87 yearsAbascal’s age at eviction — Her case prompted the protest
- 25,000Interior Ministry turnout estimate — Official estimate
- 300,000Organisers’ turnout estimate — Tenant union estimate
Questions
- Who joined the Madrid encampment?
- A European housing coalition joined the occupation after attending a Madrid real-estate fair, bringing activists from countries across the continent.
- Why was Abascal removed?
- Her building had been sold, and a court accepted the new owners’ position that her older lease was no longer valid.
- What protections did protesters seek?
- They called for stronger renter safeguards, measures against fraud and a ban on evictions when no alternative home is available.
- What constrains the government response?
- The government plans a housing decree, but it lacks a parliamentary majority to secure the required approval for it.
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The catch
Coverage does not show whether the planned government decree will pass parliament or change Abascal’s housing situation.
No vote date is given.