Key Takeaways
- Thousands gather in Madrid to honor 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal.
- Her eviction and subsequent death highlight Spain’s housing crisis.
- Protests continue as investment firm seeks to increase rent by 230%.
In a show of solidarity, thousands of people are expected to march through the center of Madrid on Thursday evening to honor María del Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old pensioner whose eviction and subsequent death have brought renewed attention to Spain’s housing crisis.
Abascal, who had been living in a flat that was bought by an investment firm, faced a 230% increase in rent, leading to her eviction just two weeks before her death in hospital on Wednesday night.
The pensioner had become a public face of the housing struggle, prompting nationwide protests that have continued to gain momentum.
The march, organized to remember Abascal, is part of a broader movement against the rising cost of living and the impact of investment firms on the housing market in Spain.
Organizers of the event hope that the march will draw attention to the plight of elderly and vulnerable individuals who are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis.
The investment firm, which purchased Abascal’s flat, has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with many calling for stricter regulations on rent increases and evictions.
Protesters have called for a more equitable housing system, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and protection for tenants facing financial difficulties.
The march is expected to bring together a diverse group of participants, including pensioners, activists, and community leaders, all united in their demand for change.
As the march approaches, organizers are urging participants to remain peaceful and focused on their shared goal of addressing the housing crisis.
