Maricarmen Abascal Death Fuels Madrid Housing Protests

María del Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old Madrid pensioner whose forced eviction became a national symbol of Spain’s housing crisis, died after a rent dispute that triggered protests, political conflict and an early election call. The Madrid Tenants' Union announced her death on Wednesday.

Abascal was removed on a stretcher from the apartment where she had lived for more than 70 years on 23 September after she could not afford sharp rent increases. The property company later offered a reduced rent, but she was hospitalized and unable to complete an agreement.

According to the BBC, Abascal’s former rent rose from €500 per month to €2,650 after the property was bought by Urbagestión in 2018. The company later offered €1,650, still above her monthly pension.

Madrid Tenants' Union spokeswoman Alicia del Río described the death as a consequence of housing pressures.

"Speculation costs lives, and today rent profiteering has finished killing our colleague Maricarmen," said Alicia del Río, Madrid Tenants' Union spokeswoman.

The union continued campaigning after Abascal’s death and said her case represented a major moment for Spain’s housing debate.

"Her memory lives on and makes us fight even harder," said Alicia del Río, Madrid Tenants' Union spokeswoman.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered condolences after Abascal’s death. His government had attempted emergency housing measures that failed in Congress before he announced a snap election for 29 November.

"All my love goes to Maricarmen's family and loved ones," said Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain.

"A hug as well to everyone who today feels this loss as their own," said Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain.

Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo also expressed condolences while arguing the issue should not be used for political purposes.

"No campaign, no parties, no self-interested exploitation. No more stones in the wall. In the face of a person's death, only respect is in order," said Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party.

Thousands marched through Madrid on Thursday in memory of Abascal, with the Guardian reporting about 20,000 participants. Protesters gathered at memorial sites and the Puerta del Sol camp established after her eviction.

National rent pressures have intensified. According to an analysis cited by The New York Times from El País, rents rose 87 percent since 2015 while salaries increased 28 percent.

At memorials, supporters said Abascal had become a symbol of housing insecurity. One protester named Sara told the Guardian: "We’re here because I think Maricarmen’s death shows how institutions can kill a person by failing to care for them."

Another protester, Jaime, said: "She had become a symbol, albeit one she never wanted to be, of the fight for decent housing," according to the Guardian.

Housing campaigner Miguel said: "At least now we’re talking about this and putting names to those who are being evicted," according to the Guardian.

Before her death, Abascal sent messages from hospital after her eviction. In one recording, she said: "I haven't managed to defend my home, but I have fought so that others can learn to fight for what's theirs."