Death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal triggers widespread protests in Spain

Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman, died in a hospital on October 7, 2026, following her eviction from a Madrid apartment where she had resided for nearly 70 years. Abascal was forcibly removed on September 23 after being unable to pay increased rent demanded by new owners, who had acquired the property. Her case drew national attention, turning her into a symbol of the country's deepening housing crisis and the struggles of long-term tenants facing displacement.

The eviction sparked widespread anger, leading to days of mass protests across Spain. Demonstrators have occupied the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, erecting a makeshift camp and holding nightly vigils. The political fallout is significant, as public pressure and the legislative defeat of two government housing decrees forced Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to call for snap elections on November 29, 2026.

Following her death, citizens gathered at the former site of her home and at the parliament to demand policy changes regarding housing affordability. While one report notes that the property owners had offered a return agreement prior to her death, the formalization of the deal was prevented by her hospitalization. A memorial march is planned as activists continue to demand structural housing reforms.