87-year-old's tragic eviction: Spain's housing crisis claims another life

The death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who had become a potent symbol of Spain's housing crisis, has reignited widespread protests, bringing the deeply entrenched issues of housing affordability and property rights into sharp focus. Abascal passed away in a Madrid hospital just two weeks after being evicted from the apartment she had called home for 71 years. A Life Displaced Maricarmen Abascal had lived in Madrid's Retiro district since 1956, initially under an old rental agreement. Upon the passing of her parents, the right to this tenancy was twice transferred to her through subrogation, a legal mechanism allowing a new party to assume the rights of a previous one. However, the property's new owner pursued legal action to terminate the outdated contract. Spanish media reported that Abascal was paying approximately €500 per month, while the owner demanded up to €2,650 for her continued tenancy. Ultimately, Spain's Supreme Court upheld the owner's right to reclaim the property. Eviction and a Fleeting Agreement On September 23rd, Maricarmen Abascal was forcibly evicted on the fourth attempt. Hundreds of individuals gathered to protest the court's order, attempting to prevent the eviction. Abascal herself was carried out of her home on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. Later, through the mediation of the municipality, a temporary agreement was reached: she was permitted to return to her apartment for eight years, with rent capped at no more than 30% of her income. Tragically, she never had the chance to return home.