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Spanish Housing Protests Continue After 87-Year-Old's Eviction
Developing
In Short: Large crowds marched in Madrid and other Spanish cities, calling for a general strike and demanding affordable housing following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal.
Large crowds marched in Madrid and other Spanish cities, calling for a general strike and demanding affordable housing following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal.
Abascal's eviction, which occurred after she was hospitalized, sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country. She has become a symbol of the struggle against rising rental costs, with protesters carrying signs that read, 'Not even one more Maricarmen!'
The Spanish government responded to the public outrage with emergency measures aimed at restricting evictions, curbing property speculation, and providing renters with indefinite leases.
Despite these measures, lawmakers had previously rejected a package of emergency measures aimed at addressing the housing affordability crisis, putting the government under immense pressure to take further action.
Abascal's lawyer announced that the Spanish real estate company had reached an agreement for her to return to her apartment, with Abascal reportedly happy with the resolution.
Protests have continued in various cities, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets to demand help for renters and to address the nation's entrenched housing cost crisis.
What this adds
The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal has reignited public outrage and protests, despite the government's efforts to address the housing crisis.
Background
The eviction of Abascal, who was hospitalized after the incident, sparked widespread protests and demonstrations across Spain.
Spain's parliament has narrowly voted down a pair of emergency government decrees aimed at curbing widespread protests against rising rental costs for housing, according to ABP Live English.
What's still developing
- The housing crunch has been simmering for years in Spain, eating into household budgets and angering voters.
- Spain's government said that 26% of Spaniards who rent housing spend an average of 40% of their income on rent and utilities, compared with the European Union average of 18% of renters who do so.
- "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.