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Spanish Housing Protests Sparked by 87-Year-Old's Eviction
Developing
In Short: The eviction of Abascal, who was hospitalized after the incident, sparked widespread protests and demonstrations across Spain.
Large crowds marched in Madrid, calling for a general strike and affordable housing, following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen Abascal.
Abascal's lawyer said that the Spanish real estate company had agreed to let her return to her apartment, but she remains hospitalized.
Protesters have carried signs with slogans such as 'Not even one more Maricarmen!' and have been demanding action against rising rental costs.
Spain's government reported that 26% of Spaniards who rent housing spend an average of 40% of their income on rent and utilities, compared to the EU average of 18%.
Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in various cities, demanding help for renters after lawmakers rejected emergency measures aimed at tackling the housing crisis.
Public outrage over the eviction has put Spain's progressive government under immense pressure to address the nation's housing cost crisis.
In response, the government has introduced emergency measures to restrict evictions, curb property speculation, and provide renters with indefinite leases.
What this adds
The resolution for Maricarmen Abascal, while positive, has not quelled the broader protests over housing affordability.
The protests and demonstrations have highlighted the deep-seated frustration among Spanish renters over the high cost of housing.
Background
Spain's parliament has narrowly voted down a pair of emergency government decrees aimed at addressing the housing crisis, following widespread protests against rising rental costs.
What's still developing
- The housing crunch has been simmering for years in Spain, eating into household budgets and angering voters.
- "I haven't managed to defend my home, but I have fought so that others can learn to fight for what's theirs," Abascal said in a video recorded from a hospital bed after the eviction.