According to her attorney, Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old pensioner who gained notoriety as a symbol of Spain’s housing crisis, will soon be allowed to re-enter her home in Madrid. This announcement follows her dramatic eviction that took place on September 23, when she was removed from her residence of over seven decades.
Following the eviction, Abascal was hospitalized due to exhaustion, prompting public outrage across the nation. In response to the controversy, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged to introduce housing relief measures during an upcoming cabinet meeting.
Legal Developments and Community Support
Beatriz Duro, Abascal’s lawyer, expressed optimism at a recent press conference, noting that both parties involved in the case showed willingness to negotiate. She indicated that under a new lease agreement, Abascal would be paying a similar rental amount, avoiding the drastic increases previously imposed by her landlord, Urbagestión.
Duro had lengthy discussions with representatives from Urbagestión, which owns the apartment, and while the agreement reached is yet to be approved by Abascal, it is a step towards resolving the situation. Abascal, currently recuperating, is expected to sign the new contract once her health improves.
Public Reaction and Calls for Change
The news of Abascal’s potential return has sparked celebrations among the public, with around 1,000 protesters gathering at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol to express their support. Activists have set up hundreds of tents in the area, advocating for stronger protections for tenants.
The city’s Tenants’ Union has urged the government to implement comprehensive housing reforms to prevent similar cases in the future. Abascal’s tenancy dates back to 1956 when her father first rented the property; she continued to live there under a rent cap after her parents passed away. However, after Urbagestión acquired the property in 2018, they raised her rent from €500 to €2,650, a sum far beyond her pension of €1,350.
Future Implications for Housing Policy
Abascal’s eviction, which faced legal challenges that temporarily halted the process three times, ignited massive protests across Spain. Thousands marched in the capital demanding stronger tenant protections amid a severe housing shortage and rising rental costs. Duro attributed the progress in Abascal’s case to the collective effort and social mobilization of the community.
As the Bank of Spain estimates a deficit of approximately 700,000 homes in the country, political leaders are scrambling to address public dissatisfaction. The Socialist Party, led by Sánchez, is negotiating a new decree with allied parties to respond to this housing crisis. Left-wing ministers are advocating for permanent tenant protections, especially for vulnerable individuals.
During a speech on Monday, Sánchez emphasized the government’s commitment to responsibly addressing the housing emergency, stating, “Patriotism also means preventing an 87-year-old woman from ending up on the street after a lifetime in her home.” The ongoing discussions are critical as they may set a precedent for future housing policies in Spain.
