Maricarmen Abascal dies at 87 after sparking housing protests in Spain

Eviction led to national demonstrations

Police and social workers removed Abascal from her Madrid apartment by stretcher after she had lived there for more than seven decades. Her removal occurred on September 23 following a purchase of the home by an investment firm that sought to increase rent significantly. Thousands of people demonstrated in Madrid hours later while activists set up camps in major city squares across the country.

Protesters cited rising housing costs

Demonstrators gathered to address a mounting crisis involving shortages of available homes and rapidly increasing rental prices. Reports indicate that rents have soared by 80 percent over the last decade while house prices climbed 63 percent in the same period. Abascal had been treated for severe anxiety and exhaustion since her eviction before news of her death reached the public.