Pensioner whose eviction sparked Spain protests dies
Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman whose eviction became a symbol of Spain's housing crisis, has passed away. Her death has intensified political pressure on the government, leading to a snap election scheduled for November 29.
Why it matters
The incident has become a focal point for national protests against rising housing costs and inflation, significantly impacting the Spanish political landscape.
An 87-year-old woman whose eviction from her home triggered nationwide protests in Spain has died, according to the Madrid tenants' union.
Maricarmen Abascal's eviction sparked protests over the country’s housing crisis and a political debate that culminated in early elections.
"We are sorry to announce that Maricarmen passed away today," the Madrid Tenants' Union said in a statement, adding that her case marked "a turning point in the history of this country".
Ms Abascal became a symbol of Spain's housing market on 23 September when she was evicted from her life-long Madrid home on a stretcher after the real estate firm that owned the apartment drastically hiked the rent.
Outrage at her eviction triggered national demonstrations, with hundreds of people camping in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square in the most symbolic of the protests.
Trade unions announced there will be a nationwide general strike over housing issues on 11 November.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
'Fight goes on’: 87-yr-old woman dies after becoming symbol of Spain housing crisis
María del Carmen Abascal, symbol of Spain’s housing protests, dies aged 87
Evicted Spanish octogenarian Maricarmen Abascal, heart of Spain's housing protests, has died
Spanish pensioner whose eviction sparked nationwide protests dies, union says
Evicted pensioner, 87, who sparked Spain housing protests dies
Evicted Spanish pensioner at heart of Spain’s housing protests dies
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