Spain’s coalition government has announced new housing measures that would extend protections against evictions, following nationwide protests sparked by the removal of an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid home. The proposals include measures that could prevent evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030 and introduce additional restrictions on speculative property investment.
The case of María del Carmen Abascal, widely known as Maricarmen, became a symbol of Spain’s growing housing crisis. She had lived in the Madrid apartment for around seven decades before being evicted on September 23. Images of the elderly woman being carried from the property on a stretcher triggered widespread public anger and demonstrations.
Thousands of people subsequently marched through Madrid demanding stronger protections for renters, restrictions on rent increases and a ban on evictions when tenants have no alternative accommodation. Protesters also established a camp at Puerta del Sol, increasing pressure on the government to respond.
According to reports, Abascal’s rent had risen substantially after the building changed ownership, leaving the pensioner unable to afford the new cost. The dispute highlighted wider concerns over rising rents, limited affordable housing and the role of investment funds in Spain’s property market.
The government’s proposals also include measures affecting rental contracts and speculative investment. However, the legislation still faces parliamentary challenges because Spain’s governing coalition does not have a clear majority.
Meanwhile, Abascal has accepted a preliminary agreement that could allow her to return to her former home under a new rental arrangement. Her case continues to fuel debate over how Spain should balance tenant protections, property rights and the country’s worsening housing affordability problems.
