Madrid Protesters Camp in Puerta del Sol Demanding Tenant Protections
Hundreds of people camped overnight on Madrid's Puerta del Sol square to demand stronger tenant protections, following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman that has become a symbol of Spain's housing crisis. The protest comes ahead of 2027 legislative elections. The campout followed a Saturday demonstration that drew thousands, with around one hundred tents covering much of the square by Sunday morning. Protesters cite the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, whose rent was raised 275% after her building was sold, and who urged others to fight for legal changes. The socialist government of Pedro Sánchez plans to approve a "Maricarmen decree" with automatic lease renewals and stricter eviction limits, though parliamentary approval is uncertain. The protest echoes the 2011 Indignados movement that also occupied the square.