An 87-year-old woman evicted from her home of 71 years in Madrid has been granted the opportunity to return, following a negotiated settlement regarding her rental payments. María del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen, was forcibly removed from her apartment in the city’s Retiro neighbourhood on Wednesday, September 23, eliciting significant public outcry and protests across Spain.
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Abascal’s plight drew attention after investment firm Urbagestión acquired her apartment building in 2018 and drastically increased her rental payments. Initially, her rent was set at €500 per month; however, over the years, it escalated to €2,650 before being readjusted to €1,650. This raised financial burden proved untenable for Abascal, whose monthly pension is only €1,350, leaving her unable to meet these demands.
The dramatic events unfolded on September 23, when her eviction took place on a stretcher due to health concerns, leading to intense demonstrations in Madrid. Protestors rallied against the eviction, voicing solidarity with Abascal as she was taken away in an ambulance. The scene was marked by chants and accusations directed towards the authorities, as nearly 10,000 people took to the streets that evening, calling for justice and highlighting the broader issue of housing insecurity in the country.
Following the evictions, Abascal’s lawyer, Beatriz Duro, stepped in to negotiate new terms with Urbagestión. On September 28, Duro announced at a press conference that a deal had been reached to allow Abascal to return to her apartment under a new rental agreement. This arrangement will cap her rent at 30% of her monthly income, providing a more manageable financial commitment over the next eight years.
While Duro expressed relief at the outcome, she remarked that the agreement came too late and emphasised the distressing nature of the situation her client had endured. Abascal had been hospitalised due to exhaustion following her eviction but is expected to sign the new rental contract once she is well enough.
The settlement received a warm response from demonstrators, with approximately 1,000 supporters gathering at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol to celebrate the news. Amid the ongoing housing crisis, many have set up camps in the area, advocating for more comprehensive changes in housing regulations and protections for vulnerable tenants.
Abascal’s connection to the apartment dates back to the mid-1950s when she moved there as a teenager with her family. Her father had entered into a regulated tenancy agreement, which was subsequently passed down through generations. Despite a history of court rulings in her favour, the Supreme Court ultimately favoured the property investment firm earlier this year, allowing the eviction to proceed.
In a bid to secure her rights, Abascal rejected alternative housing solutions offered by local authorities, including a move to a residential facility. Following her eviction, she expressed her desire to stay with relatives rather than accept these alternatives.
As Abascal prepares to return to her home, Duro hopes this agreement can foster meaningful discussions surrounding housing rights and reform in Spain. “We hope this will help change the housing paradigm, and that this right will begin to be regulated,” she stated, revealing her aspirations for broader positive impacts from this case.
As further developments unfold, the commitment to protecting vulnerable tenants continues to be a pressing concern amid Spain’s ongoing housing crisis, with this case serving as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many.