Madrid Evicts 87-Year-Old Tenant After 71 Years
Police removed an elderly woman from her Madrid home after a legal battle. The incident has triggered new protests over housing rights.
Key points
- Maricarmen Abascal was evicted from her Madrid home after living there for 71 years.
- A real estate company fought her in court for eight years before succeeding.
- The incident has reignited debates about rent controls and tenant rights in Spain.
Police escorted an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid apartment on Wednesday. She had lived in the home for 71 years. The eviction sparked immediate protests in the capital.
Maricarmen Abascal was forced to leave her residence on Alcalde Sainz de Baranda Street. Dozens of people gathered to support her. They chanted slogans behind the police line.
A long legal dispute
According to El Pais, a real estate company bought the property in 2018. The firm took over management from a private landlord. This started an eight-year legal dispute.
This was the fourth attempt to evict her. Her lawyer, Beatriz Duro, said the company rejected offers to pay rent. It also refused requests to delay her removal.
Protesters highlight housing pressures
The case highlights rising rents in Spanish cities. Gentrification is creating a shortage of affordable homes. Public discontent is growing over these changes.
A tenants' group said a writer offered to pay her rent. The real estate company rejected this proposal. Maricarmen was taken to a hospital by ambulance.
Political division over policy
Spain is divided on how to fix the housing crisis. The left-wing coalition wants stronger tenant protections. It also seeks broader rent controls.
Madrid's regional government favors a market-oriented approach. Its leader, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, faces a property controversy. The value of these assets is reported at €6.3 million.
Deutsche Welle reports that Parliament remains divided on these issues. This makes it hard to pass new laws. The debate over housing policy continues.
