Woman (87) whose eviction sparked Spain housing protests dies
Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman whose eviction from her home in Madrid became a symbol of Spain's housing crisis, has passed away. Her case sparked nationwide protests and influenced the Prime Minister to call for a snap election.
Why it matters
Her death underscores the human impact of housing instability and its potential to shift national political agendas.
AN 87-YEAR-OLD MADRID woman whose eviction triggered nationwide protests over Spain’s chronic housing crisis and a political debate that culminated in early elections died on Wednesday, a tenants’ union said.
“We are sorry to announce that Maricarmen passed away today,” the Madrid Tenants’ Union said in a statement about Maricarmen Abascal, adding that her case marked “a turning point in the history of this country”.
Abascal became a symbol of Spain’s housing market on 23 September when she was evicted from her lifelong Madrid home on a stretcher after the real estate firm that owned the apartment drastically hiked the rent.
People leaving messages and candles at her home this evening Alamy Alamy
Outrage at her eviction triggered national demonstrations, with hundreds of people camping in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square.
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Pensioner whose eviction sparked Spain protests dies
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Evicted Spanish pensioner at heart of Spain’s housing protests dies
Spanish woman whose eviction ignited housing protests dies at 87
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