Madrid protests erupt after eviction of 87-year-old tenant
Protests continue in Madrid after 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal was evicted from her long-time apartment in the Retiro district, sparking a wider movement over housing protections.
Demonstrations are continuing in Madrid, with protesters carrying signs reading "Maricarmen vs the Vultures," "Maricarmen, you are not alone," and "Ni una Maricarmen más" (Not one more Maricarmen). The protests began after 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal was evicted on Wednesday from the apartment where she had lived since the 1950s.
An eviction in a sought-after district
The case centres on the Retiro quarter, one of Madrid's most desirable areas, located near the Prado Museum and the city's so-called Golden Triangle of Art. The apartment's owner is a real estate organisation, which carried out the eviction after Abascal's long-term lease expired.
From one case to a wider cause
What began as an effort to stop this single eviction has grown into a broader protest movement calling for stronger social housing protections. Madrid is described as one of Europe's most desirable capitals, yet one facing a significant housing shortage.
Government and city council trade blame
Amid the dispute, Spain's national government has blamed Madrid's city council for the situation, while the council has placed responsibility back on the government. Miriam Bue, spokesperson for the Madrid Tenants' Union, has spoken publicly about the case.
