Madrid housing crisis protest draws overnight campout in Puerta del Sol
Hundreds of people camped overnight in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square to protest Spain's housing crisis, declaring "either rentism falls, or the Government falls." The protest follows the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid apartment. The encampment began Saturday evening after a demonstration triggered by the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, who was removed by police from the home she lived in for 70 years, following a court order favoring an investment fund. Organizers estimated 300,000 attendees, while government figures cited 25,000. The Tenants' Union demands the government include in Tuesday's housing decree a requirement for landlords to justify non-renewal of contracts or pay compensation. Abascal, speaking from hospital, urged legal changes to prevent similar cases. The Sumar party announced its five ministers may skip Tuesday's cabinet meeting if effective housing measures are not included.