María del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen, died in hospital on Oct. 7. Her eviction from the Madrid apartment where she had lived for more than seven decades drew protests over Spain’s housing crisis.
Abascal was evicted from her apartment in Madrid’s El Retiro district on Sept. 23. Activists spent the night outside the building trying to stop the removal. Thousands took to the streets the next day, and solidarity demonstrations also took place in Barcelona, Seville and Valencia.
Her case became a symbol of renters’ struggles as housing costs rose. Protesters called for stronger tenant protections and limits on evictions when no affordable alternative home is available nearby. Days later, Abascal reached an agreement with her landlord that allowed her to return under a new eight-year lease at a similar rent.
Abascal was taken by stretcher to Gregorio Marañón Hospital after the eviction. Her lawyer, Beatriz Duro, said she would undergo medical tests and sign the agreement when her health improved. Madrid’s tenants’ union announced her death. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered condolences.