Spain Housing Protest Icon Maria del Carmen Abascal Dies at 87
Maria del Carmen Abascal, the 87-year-old Spanish woman whose eviction sparked massive housing protests and snap elections in Spain, died on Wednesday.
Maria del Carmen Abascal, the 87-year-old woman at the center of massive housing protests in Spain, passed away on Wednesday at Gregorio Maranon Hospital. Her eviction from the Madrid apartment where she had lived for over 70 years sparked nationwide demonstrations that ultimately led to political turmoil.
The Housing Crisis and Political Fallout
Abascal was removed from her home in the upscale Retiro district on September 23, triggering widespread outrage against real estate investment funds and the government. The massive public backlash, including tent encampments in Puerta del Sol and calls for a general strike, prompted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to announce the dissolution of the government and snap elections set for November 29.
"I couldn't protect my home, but I fought so others could learn to fight for what is theirs," Abascal said in a video recorded from her hospital bed.
Final Agreement and Legacy
Last week, her lawyer announced that UrbaGestion, the fund owning the property, had offered an agreement allowing her to return home upon paying roughly 30% of her pension. However, family members and legal counsel stated that the settlement arrived too late, emphasizing that the price paid to reach this point was far too high.
