By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-08 18:51:04 | Updated at 2026-10-08 21:10:48
2 hours ago
A Spanish woman whose forced eviction sparked mass protests across the country has died aged 87.
Maricarmen Abascal died after being removed from her home last month, which she had lived in for more than 70 years.
Ms Abascal was given just half an hour to leave her Madrid home on September 23 after her apartment in the Retiro neighbourhood had been acquired by an investment fund that wanted to sharply increase her rent.
The 87-year-old, who was a wheelchair user, was then seen being removed from her home on a stretcher accompanied by social services.
Announcing her death, the Madrid Tenants' Union said Ms Abascal's eviction marked "a turning point in the history of this country".
They said: "Although a historic agreement was reached that would have allowed her to return to her home, this solution came too late.
Maricarmen Abascal, whose eviction sparked mass protest in Spain, has died aged 87
REUTERS
"It was an entirely avoidable situation following a harrowing ordeal."
Paying tribute to Ms Abascal, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posted a statement on X, which read: "All my affection to Maricarmen's family and loved ones.
"A hug, too, to all of us who today feel this loss as our own. Rest in peace."
Ms Abascal's removal sparked nationwide protests and became a symbol for Spain's housing crisis.
Mourners gathered at a memorial for the late Maricarmen Abascal in Valencia, Spain
REUTERS
Over the last few weeks, thousands of protesters camped out in Madrid's main square and in other Spanish cities, demanding new measures to protect tenants and curb the country's housing crisis.
The mass demonstrations then pushed Mr Sánchez to call a snap election, which is scheduled for November 29.
Following the announcement of her death, Spanish nationals have constructed memorials in honour of the 87-year-old.
Dozens of candles were lit around Madrid's square, with more laid out to form an altar to Ms Abascal in front of the headquarters of the Community of Madrid government.
Messages laid at the scene included signs saying "it's not a death, it's a killing" and "the fight will continue".
Another tribute read: "Maricarmen, the grandmother of the whole country".
Ms Abascal had been in hospital for severe anxiety and exhaustion following her eviction in September.
A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
