Spain Housing Maricarmen
Protesters gather after the reported death of María del Carmen Abascal, the 87-year-old woman whose eviction sparked nationwide protests, in Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.
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María del Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman whose eviction from her Madrid home sparked protests across Spain, has died. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez expressed condolences. Known as “Maricarmen,” she became a symbol for renters struggling with Spain's housing crisis. Her eviction on September 23 led to nationwide protests. Despite a deal allowing her to return home, her health worsened. Her lawyer, Beatriz Duro, highlighted the impact of evictions on health. Maricarmen's case has galvanized a social movement, leading to a general strike and early elections called by Sánchez.
