Madrid Protest Over Eviction of 87-Year-Old Highlights Spain's Housing Crisis

Tens of thousands protested in Madrid against forced evictions after an 87-year-old woman was removed from her home, highlighting Spain's housing crisis and pressuring the leftist government. The eviction of Maricarmen has become a symbol of the issue. The protest, called "Ni una Maricarmen más," drew 25,000 attendees per the Interior Ministry, though organizers claimed 300,000. Maricarmen, who lived in the apartment for 70 years, was hospitalized after Wednesday's eviction and urged people to "keep fighting" for housing rights. Demonstrators blame both the central government and regional authorities for the crisis, demanding indefinite lease extensions and rent freezes. Podemos politician Irene Montero called for expropriating 650,000 homes from "vulture funds," while the government plans a new housing decree on Tuesday.