Maricarmen Abascal dies

Maricarmen Abascal's Eviction and Its Aftermath

Maricarmen Abascal, the 87-year-old woman whose eviction from her Madrid home sparked nationwide protests in Spain, has died. According to Madrid's tenants union, Abascal's eviction was a result of her inability to afford rent increases imposed by the company that owned her apartment, Urbagestión, which had been her home for over 70 years. The company had increased the rent from €500 per month to €2,650, which was more than Abascal's monthly pension.

Protests and Political Crisis

Abascal's eviction sparked widespread protests across Spain, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand action on the country's housing crisis. The protests led to a political crisis, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calling an early election for November 29. Sanchez's government had proposed emergency housing legislation, but it was rejected by Congress, leading to further protests and the announcement of a nationwide general strike on November 11.

Reaction to Abascal's Death

Following Abascal's death, protesters gathered at one of Madrid's main squares, Puerta del Sol, to pay their respects. Prime Minister Sanchez said, "All my love goes to Maricarmen's family and loved ones. A hug as well to everyone who today feels this loss as their own." Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo also sent condolences to Abascal's loved ones.

Detail	Information
Rent increase	From €500 per month to €2,650 per month
Abascal's monthly pension	Less than €1,650 per month
Date of eviction	23 September
Early election date	29 November
Nationwide general strike date	11 November

Legacy of Maricarmen Abascal

The Madrid Tenants' Union said that Abascal's legacy would live on, and that her fight for housing rights would continue to inspire others. As the union stated, "Although a historic agreement was reached that would have allowed her to return to her home, this solution came too late. It was an entirely avoidable situation following a harrowing ordeal." One protester said, "Even though she's dead, a struggle has begun that will not stop. It doesn't matter who governs, because they will not stop us."

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the cause of Maricarmen Abascal's eviction?

Abascal's eviction was a result of her inability to afford rent increases imposed by the company that owned her apartment, Urbagestión, which had increased the rent from €500 per month to €2,650.

What has been the reaction to Abascal's death?

Following Abascal's death, protesters gathered at one of Madrid's main squares, Puerta del Sol, to pay their respects, and Prime Minister Sanchez and opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo both sent condolences to Abascal's loved ones.

What are the next steps in the housing crisis in Spain?

A nationwide general strike has been announced for November 11, and an early election has been called for November 29, in an effort to address the housing crisis and find a solution to the country's housing shortage.

As the situation in Spain continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government and opposition parties will respond to the housing crisis and the legacy of Maricarmen Abascal. With the early election and nationwide general strike on the horizon, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of housing rights in Spain. According to the Madrid Tenants' Union, Abascal's death has marked a turning point in the history of the country, and it is now up to the government and the people to ensure that her legacy lives on and that the struggle for housing rights continues.