A 87-year-old Spanish pensioner, evicted from her long-term home, will be allowed to return under a new agreement, following widespread protests and government pledges to address housing issues.
The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, 87, from her Madrid apartment, which she has occupied for over 70 years, triggered large-scale protests across Spain. She was forcibly removed on 23 September and hospitalized after the eviction. Her lawyer, Beatriz Duro, announced that a new rental agreement would allow her to return to the property, with a similar rent amount to avoid a significant increase.
The agreement, still pending approval from Abascal, was reached after negotiations with the property owner, Urbagestión. The company had raised her rent from €500 to €2,650 per month, which Abascal could not afford with her pension of €1,350. Previous court rulings had blocked three earlier eviction attempts. Protests in Madrid's Puerta del Sol continued, with up to 1,000 demonstrators welcoming the agreement.
Why it matters
The resolution affects Maricarmen Abascal and highlights the urgent need for housing reform in Spain.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The government's housing relief measures to be discussed in the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.