2 days ago
Madrid Housing Protests Enter Third Day After Pensioner’s Eviction
People in Madrid are protesting because an 87-year-old woman was evicted from her home.
Maricarmen Abascal had lived there for more than 70 years.
Police removed her on a stretcher after an investment fund obtained an eviction order.
Hundreds of protesters have camped in Puerta del Sol for three days.
Some protesters clashed with police.
Around 30,000 people marched through Madrid on Saturday.
They want stronger protections for renters because rents have risen much faster than salaries.
The national government says it is preparing a housing measure, while the regional leader blames the national government for the housing problem.
Hundreds of protesters began a third day camped outside the Madrid regional administration on Monday.
Police evicted 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her home on a stretcher after an investment fund secured an eviction order.
About 30,000 people marched through Madrid on Saturday, carrying anti-speculation and housing-rights banners.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the central government was working on a housing decree intended to provide immediate tenant relief.
Rents have doubled on average over the past decade, while Spain faces a housing deficit of 750,000 homes.
- Who
- Protesters, tenants’ groups, 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and Madrid regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso.
- What
- Protests are demanding stronger tenant protections and objecting to Abascal’s eviction from her long-term home.
- Where
- Outside the Madrid regional administration and in Puerta del Sol, Madrid, with further protests planned across Spain.
- When
- The protests entered their third day on Monday, September 28; a major march took place on Saturday.
- Why
- Protesters cite Abascal’s eviction, soaring rents, limited housing, and what they say is inadequate government action.
National Government and Protesters
Madrid Regional Administration
Responsibility for the housing crisis
National Government and Protesters
The leftist central government condemned the centre-right regional administration for failing to prevent the eviction. Protesters say politicians have not done enough and want stronger tenant protections.
Madrid Regional Administration
Madrid regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso blamed Pedro Sanchez’s national government for failing to address the housing issue during its eight years in power.
Response to rising rents
National Government and Protesters
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the government was working to pass a housing decree that would provide immediate relief for tenants.
Madrid Regional Administration
The regional administration’s position, as reported, is that responsibility for addressing the housing issue lies with the national government.
Key facts
- Evicted resident
- Maricarmen Abascal, aged 87
- Length of residence
- More than seven decades
- Saturday march
- About 30,000 people marched through Madrid
- Housing deficit
- Spain has a deficit of 750,000 homes, according to the central bank
- Rent increases
- Average rents have doubled over the past decade
- Annual construction
- About 120,000 homes are built each year
- Protest location
- Puerta del Sol, outside the Madrid regional administration
Quotes
Blanca
A student participating in the housing protests
“Politicians not only do nothing but make it worse. We’ve decided to put our foot down, so let’s hope they hear us.”
theprint.in
Sources
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