Spanish pensioner whose eviction sparked nationwide protests dies, union says
Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman whose forced eviction became a symbol of Spain's housing crisis, has died. Her death has intensified nationwide protests and political pressure on the government to address rent speculation.
Why it matters
The incident has become a flashpoint for social justice movements in Spain, directly influencing national politics and the call for snap elections.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Alys Davies and Alba Morgade , Madrid 'Murderers!': Protests erupt in Madrid after Maricarmen Abascal's death An elderly woman whose eviction sparked nationwide protests over Spain's housing crisis and a political row that triggered early elections has died, according to Madrid's tenants union.
Maricarmen Abascal, 87, was forcibly removed on a stretcher from her apartment of more than 70 years on 23 September after she was unable to afford steep rent increases.
The company that owned the flat later offered to allow her to return at a lower rate - but she was unable to sign an agreement as she had been admitted to hospital.
Announcing her death, Madrid Tenants' Union said Abascal's situation marked "a turning point in the history of this country".
Also covering this story
9 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
Evicted pensioner, 87, who sparked Spain housing protests dies
Pensioner whose eviction sparked Spain protests dies
Woman (87) whose eviction sparked Spain housing protests dies
Spanish pensioner whose eviction sparked nationwide protests dies, union says
Evicted Spanish pensioner at heart of Spain’s housing protests dies
Spanish woman whose eviction ignited housing protests dies at 87
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in