--- title: "María del Carmen Abascal evicted from Madrid apartment at 87 years old" url: https://newscentral.site/maria-del-carmen-abascal-evicted-from-madrid-apartment-at-87-years-old/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-10-08T13:54:04.000Z updated: 2026-10-11T11:27:12.328Z id: d13011d3-bda6-474c-9bbb-38dd0ca5502a source: "ABC News International https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/death-87-year-maricarmen-reenergizing-spains-protests-stop-137094250" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/maria-del-carmen-abascal-evicted-from-madrid-apartment-at-87-years-old/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # María del Carmen Abascal evicted from Madrid apartment at 87 years old A 87-year-old woman's tragic passing has reignited protests against evictions in Spain, a country grappling with a severe housing affordability crisis. María del Carmen Abascal, affectionately known as Maricarmen, had spent most of her life living in an apartment in downtown Madrid that her family had rented decades ago. Maricarmen's battle to avoid eviction took on a different meaning when she was evicted from the apartment two weeks ago. Her sudden death has transformed her into a powerful symbol for millions of Spaniards struggling to pay for housing, sparking renewed outrage and calls for change. The housing issue is set to dominate the national election next month. In Madrid's central Puerta del Sol, thousands of people have camped out for two weeks to protest Spain's housing affordability crisis since Maricarmen's eviction on September 23rd captured the nation's attention. Sympathizers with her cause left candles, flowers and letters overnight at an impromptu shrine in the square. The makeshift memorial has become a focal point of the protests, with supporters leaving messages and tributes outside Maricarmen's former home near Madrid's Retiro park. A handwritten note on the door reads "Rest in Peace Maricarmen," accompanied by a drawing of a black heart, while others left similar messages on the street. The outpouring of emotion is a testament to the deep-seated frustration and anger among Spaniards over the country's housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by rising costs and stagnant wages. As the nation prepares for its national election next month, Maricarmen's death is set to reignite the debate on affordable housing and further polarize the country. A vibrant tribute to Maricarmen has emerged in Barcelona's streets, where a renowned graffiti artist has painted her likeness in an angelic form, complete with wings and a halo. The mural depicts her holding a key, symbolizing the home she was forced to leave behind. The outpouring of emotion has given way to anger and a sense of urgency among protesters, who are convinced that Maricarmen's eviction contributed to her death. Thousands had already taken to the streets in protest when police removed Maricarmen from her lifelong home last month. In Madrid's Puerta de Sol square, protesters carried signs with stark messages, including "These are not deaths, they are murders." Similar chants echoed through the city as a march made its way towards the Parliament building after news of Maricarmen's passing spread. María Holgado, a 28-year-old receptionist, reflected on the impact of Maricarmen's death. She described her as "the flame that led us to start this camp-in and protest," and expressed hope that it would galvanize their efforts to demand affordable housing rights. The focus is now shifting towards those who Holgado holds accountable for the situation: property owners and vulture funds, which she believes are profiteering from people's basic right to a home. The soaring cost of living in Spain has led to a dire situation for many tenants, including Holgado and her partner, who are struggling to make ends meet in their tiny one-room apartment. The average rent in Spain has nearly doubled over the past decade, according to real estate website Idealista, making it increasingly difficult for people like Holgado to find affordable housing. As protests against evictions continue across major cities, including Barcelona and Madrid, organizers are calling for another march this Thursday. The Madrid Tenants Union, a key player in the movement, is urging supporters to take part. The televised images of Maricarmen being forcibly removed from her home last month sent shockwaves through Spanish politics, highlighting the urgent need for reform. In response to mounting public pressure, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez introduced emergency housing measures aimed at preventing evictions and curbing real estate speculation. However, his efforts were initially thwarted by right-wing parties in Parliament. Sánchez has since reissued similar decrees, which are set to be ratified by a newly formed interim Parliament. The prime minister's actions are seen as an attempt to capitalize on the housing crisis in the run-up to November 29 elections. The death of Maricarmen has reignited protests in Spain, focusing attention on evictions and housing issues ahead of the November 29 elections. Left-wing parties have marked her passing as a turning point, emphasizing that it completes the narrative of how evictions can be deadly. Protests outside the regional parliament and town hall in Madrid took place on Thursday, with left-wing politicians observing a minute's silence to honor Maricarmen. However, right-wing politicians from the Popular Party and Vox did not participate, instead continuing their calls for police intervention against protesters in Puerta del Sol. The government has refused these requests. The Popular Party, which controls regional and municipal governments, has long resisted efforts by Sánchez's administration to regulate rental costs. They argue that such regulations deter investment, when Spain needs hundreds of thousands of new homes. This stance contradicts the government's attempts to address housing affordability concerns. Madrid's conservative mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, criticized Sánchez for politicizing Maricarmen's death, stating his condolences but refusing to join in what he saw as a campaign stunt ahead of the November 29 elections. --- Source: [ABC News International](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/death-87-year-maricarmen-reenergizing-spains-protests-stop-137094250) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/maria-del-carmen-abascal-evicted-from-madrid-apartment-at-87-years-old/