In Spain, Grief and Politics Mix After Death of Evicted Woman

The death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was forcibly evicted from her Madrid apartment of 70 years, has intensified Spain's political crisis and fueled nationwide housing protests. Abascal was removed on a stretcher on September 23 after her rent was significantly increased by the property owner, Urbagestión. Her death in the hospital followed the failure of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s emergency housing decrees in Congress, leading him to call for a snap election on November 29. While both government and opposition leaders have offered condolences, the incident has sparked mass demonstrations, a planned general strike, and heated debate over rental market regulations.

The death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was forcibly evicted from her Madrid apartment of 70 years, has intensified Spain's political crisis and fueled nationwide housing protests. Abascal was removed on a stretcher on September 23 after her rent was significantly increased by the property owner, Urbagestión. Her death in the hospital followed the failure of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s emergency housing decrees in Congress, leading him to call for a snap election on November 29. While both government and opposition leaders have offered condolences, the incident has sparked mass demonstrations, a planned general strike, and heated debate over rental market regulations.