Spanish Pensioner Whose Eviction Sparked Nationwide Protests Dies, Union Says

Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old Madrid resident, has died in hospital, the Madrid Tenants’ Union says. She was forcibly evicted from the apartment she had lived in for more than 70 years on September 23 after rent rose beyond what she could afford. The owner later offered her a lower rent, but she was unable to sign an agreement while hospitalized. Her case prompted demonstrations across Spain and intensified pressure for housing reforms. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences; the union called her death an avoidable tragedy.