Housing crisis protests intensify in Madrid

Protesters demanding urgent action on Spain's housing crisis have maintained a protest camp in Madrid's central Puerta del Sol square for two consecutive nights. Approximately 100 tents have been pitched in the high-traffic area, with organizers from the Carabanchel Housing Syndicate declaring their intention to remain indefinitely to pressure the government.

The demonstrations were sparked by the recent eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was removed on a stretcher from her home of 70 years after police breached her door on Wednesday. The footage of this eviction has shocked the public, serving as a catalyst for renewed calls to address housing insecurity ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections. Banners at the site feature slogans such as "We are all Maricarmen," referencing the 2011 Indignados movement, which also used the plaza as its primary assembly point.

While the protest continues to gather momentum, the political response remains closely watched as the country approaches the next electoral cycle. The incident has significantly heightened public awareness regarding the sustainability of current housing policies in Spain.