Spain's eviction of 87-year-old tenant sparks mass protests over housing crisis

rfi.fr (French) —

Tens of thousands protested in Madrid on Saturday, September 26, 2026, against the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home of seven decades, demanding stronger tenant protections. The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, carried out by police on September 23, has become a symbol of Spain's housing crisis. Protesters called for lower rents and stricter limits on evictions, with authorities estimating 25,000 attendees and organizers claiming 300,000. Abascal's rent was raised 275% to 2,650 euros after an investment firm bought her building. The socialist government plans a "Maricarmen decree" on automatic lease renewals, but its passage is uncertain without a parliamentary majority.


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