Madrid protesters demand housing action after 87-year-old's eviction
Thousands of protesters marched in Madrid on Sunday demanding housing measures after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was removed from her home of nearly 70 years. The eviction has become a symbol of Spain's housing crisis. Abascal was forced out after an investment firm bought her apartment and tripled her rent by 275 percent to 2,650 euros. Police broke down her door, and she was carried out on a stretcher, prompting outrage and chants like "No more evictions." Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a "Maricarmen Decree" with automatic lease renewals and eviction limits, but it faces parliamentary opposition. Abascal urged Spaniards to fight for legal changes, saying her fate "must not happen to others."