Madrid eviction of 87-year-old sparks mass protests and housing bill push

The eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid has sparked mass protests across Spain and prompted political negotiations on new housing legislation, which Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a "social tragedy." Maricarmen Abascal was removed by police from her home of 70 years on Wednesday, following a court order favoring an investment fund that bought the apartment. Sánchez promised to urgently send a housing bill to parliament, with left-wing government parties resuming talks with parliamentary groups to ensure its passage. The eviction, broadcast live on television, drew 10,000 protesters in Madrid and hundreds more in Barcelona and Oviedo, while officials traded accusations over housing speculation and regional responsibilities. Abascal's rent was raised from 500 to 1,650 euros, exceeding her 1,450-euro pension, and the fund refused settlement offers. Spain averages 44 daily evictions this year, with rents nearly doubling over a decade. The Madrid tenants' union has called for further protests under the slogan "Not one more Maricarmen."