Spain Evicts 87-Year-Old Woman, Sparking Protests and Human Rights Concerns

Violent protests erupted in Spain after riot police forcibly evicted an 87-year-old disabled woman from her Madrid apartment, where she had lived for 71 years. Maricarmen Abascal was carried from the building on a stretcher by health workers as demonstrators chanted "Maricarmen, you are not alone."

The eviction followed a legal battle with a real estate firm that had acquired her apartment and raised the monthly rent by 275% to 2,650 euros, according to the Madrid renters' union. Supporters claim Abascal had always paid her rent but was given only 30 minutes to collect her belongings.

Tensions flared on Wednesday as riot police removed protesters who had blocked the building's entrance. Footage showed Abascal being wheeled toward an ambulance.

The legal dispute reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the firm, allowing the eviction to proceed. Police charged and removed dozens of activists who had gathered to protest, drawing cries of "shame!"

Abascal was taken to Gregorio Marañón Hospital. She declined an offer of emergency housing from the city and is temporarily staying with a relative. Amnesty International Spain condemned the eviction as a "violation of human rights" and criticized a system that prioritizes "speculative interests of a vulture fund before Maricarmen's right to stay in her house."

The organization stated that this is not an isolated incident but rather a representation of the hardship faced by thousands of households in Spain. In a Tuesday interview, Abascal described the company as "inhuman" and blamed national, regional, and city authorities for her situation.

Socialist Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez stated that the government had attempted to pass legislation to ban such evictions and accused the conservative-run Madrid region of facilitating these actions. Housing has been a significant concern in Spain for years, with supply struggling to meet demand and rents and purchase prices escalating. Many residents attribute rising costs and reduced availability to short-term tourist rentals, which have led to protests in popular areas like Barcelona.

Abascal expressed her feeling that Madrid is no longer the city it once was, citing the influx of tourists. Earlier this year, reports indicated over 100,000 half-finished homes remained empty in Spain, despite widespread complaints of housing shortages. Data from the Ministry of Housing suggests this number represents only a portion of unfinished developments. Additionally, there is sufficient developed land for an estimated 390,000 homes, though no homes have been built on them. Many of these projects have been stalled since the 2008 financial crisis, with developers defaulting on loans.

The Bank of Spain estimates a shortage of nearly 700,000 homes, contributing to increased demand and residents feeling priced out of their communities. This has fueled anger towards tourists and non-residents buying properties in holiday destinations, leading to protests in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga.