Protests in Madrid Over Eviction Highlight Spain’s Housing Crisis

In Madrid, anger surged over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, leading to protests in Puerta del Sol plaza. People, including families, gathered for a second day, demanding better tenant protections and measures to prevent such evictions without alternative housing.

Protests began after María del Carmen Abascal was evicted from her longtime home in Madrid’s upscale Retiro neighborhood. The eviction sparked a demonstration with tens of thousands demanding new regulations to prevent similar situations. Protesters set up tents in Puerta del Sol, refusing to leave after marching on Saturday.

The housing situation is unsustainable, stated Natalia Navarro, a protester. Alicia del Río from the Madrid Tenants’ Union declared, The wave of indignation and anger is now unstoppable. The group demands changes like indefinite rental contracts and an end to evictions like Abascal’s.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed these issues, promising a Royal Decree on housing to be presented shortly, urging parliamentary support. However, Abascal criticized the government, questioning its awareness of daily evictions.

Abascal’s Long Tenure and Financial Strain

Abascal’s ties to her apartment trace back to 1956. After a change in ownership in 2018, the investment fund Urbagestión increased her rent significantly, making it unaffordable on her pension. Initially raised to 2,650 euros and later lowered to 1,650 euros, the rent remained out of reach for Abascal.

Broader Housing Challenges

Spain faces a housing crisis with rising costs and a shortage, exacerbated by economic growth, tourism, and population increases in cities. The Bank of Spain reported a shortage of around 550,000 homes, with cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia most affected.

The protests recall the 2011 indignados movement, a reaction to the global economic crisis, including issues with unemployment and evictions. The current protests focus on rental challenges, reflecting growing public frustration over housing issues.

Spain lags in offering public rental housing. Less than 2% of its housing is subsidized, far below the European Union average of 8%. These factors contribute to the ongoing protests and dissatisfaction among residents.

Journalists Daniel Brito and Suman Naishadham contributed to this report.