World · Europe · 14 hrs ago
Eviction and death of elderly woman fuel protests over housing in Spain
The eviction and later death of Maricarmen Abascal have become a focus of anger over housing in Spain.
The Tenants’ Union has organised protests and encampments in cities across the country.
Several unions have joined a call for a general strike, and the government has brought forward elections.
The government’s housing measures have been defeated five times this year by the right-wing parties PP, Junts and Vox, the piece says.
Spain’s housing shortage is expected to grow, from 750,000 homes in 2026 to one million in 2028, according to the Bank of Spain as cited in the piece.
The piece argues that housing should be treated as a basic right, rather than mainly as an economic resource or an object of speculation.
It points to Barcelona planner Ildefons Cerdà’s 1859 expansion plan, which sought to improve workers’ living conditions and counter speculation.
The eviction and subsequent death of elderly woman Maricarmen Abascal have fuelled protests over housing in Spain.
The protests and encampments, organised by the Tenants’ Union in numerous cities, have drawn support from other groups.
Trade unions have joined a call for a general strike, according to El País.
The Spanish government has seen five housing-related decrees rejected by right-wing parties this year, the article says.
The Bank of Spain says the housing deficit is expected to rise from 750,000 homes in 2026 to one million in 2028.
- Who
- Elderly woman Maricarmen Abascal, whose eviction and subsequent death prompted protests; demonstrators and trade unions have also joined the response.
- What
- Protests and encampments have been held against evictions and over housing conditions.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Spain, with demonstrations and encampments in numerous cities.
- Why
- The eviction and death raised awareness, amid concerns about housing conditions and a shortage of homes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A punch to Spain’s collective conscience
Maricarmen Abascal was evicted and subsequently died.
The Tenants’ Union organised demonstrations and encampments in numerous cities.
Trade unions joined a call for a general strike.
- Woman
- Maricarmen Abascal
- Protests
- Demonstrations and encampments in numerous Spanish cities
- Housing decrees
- Five rejected this year
- Housing deficit
- 750,000 homes in 2026
- Projected deficit
- One million homes in 2028
Sources
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