Madrid Protests Erupt After Eviction of 87-Year-Old Woman

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Madrid against forced evictions and for the right to housing, following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen, from her home after 70 years. The protest has become a symbol of Spain's housing crisis and is increasing pressure on the left-wing government. The Interior Ministry reported around 25,000 participants, while organizers claimed 300,000. Maricarmen, who has a 50% disability, was hospitalized after being removed from her apartment on Wednesday, following the building's sale to a real estate company. Protesters blame both the central government and regional administrations for the crisis, demanding measures like indefinite lease extensions and rent freezes. The demonstration, held under the slogan "Ni una Maricarmen más," also saw simultaneous rallies in eleven other cities. Podemos politician Irene Montero called for expropriating 650,000 homes owned by "vulture funds." The government is working on a new decree on housing policy, expected to be approved Tuesday, which would include measures against evictions.