Spain protests after death of evicted 87-year-old Maricarmen

Outrage in Madrid as protesters blame her eviction

Thousands gathered outside Spain’s parliament after the death of Maria del Carmen Abascal, the 87-year-old whose eviction from her Madrid home sparked nationwide protests and a snap general election. Abascal died Wednesday after being hospitalised for severe anxiety and exhaustion following her removal on a stretcher on September 23. She had reached a deal to return home while in hospital, but died before she could.

Protesters marched from Puerta del Sol to her former building, chanting “They’re not deaths; they’re murders.” Diana, a demonstrator, said: “They killed her through heartbreak.” She added: “Taking an 87-year-old woman out of her home after she had lived in the same house for 70 years, that is killing someone.” Mourners left flowers, candles and handwritten notes outside.

The eviction triggered protests over home shortages and surging rents, prompting Socialist PM Pedro Sanchez to call the November 29 election after parliament failed to pass emergency housing measures. In the Madrid regional assembly, tributes led to accusations of exploitation. Conservative People’s Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo accused Sanchez of manipulation, saying: “We will not allow this attempt to manipulate the emotions of the Spanish people; all of this has happened during their eight years in government. It won’t fly.” PP lawmakers refused a minute of silence, while hard-left deputies gave a standing ovation. A June CIS survey showed 76.3 percent support market intervention for housing, and 79 percent believe housing rights outweigh market commodity status. Ombudsman Angel Gabilondo called for greater commitment and proposed expanding public housing, restricting tourist rentals, and strengthening eviction protections.