Tens of thousands march in Madrid over Spain's housing crisis
Tens of thousands protested in Madrid. They demanded tenant protections and a ban on evictions without alternative housing.
The Wednesday eviction of María del Carmen Abascal started the demonstration in Spain's capital. She was 87 years old and had lived in her Madrid apartment for decades.
María del Carmen Abascal was carried out on a stretcher as protesters lined the street. An investment fund bought the building.
It raised her monthly rent from €500 to €2,650. It later lowered it to €1,650.
Her pension could not cover that amount. Courts had blocked three previous eviction attempts.
Protesters at the march demanded government action on Spain's serious housing shortage. Spain needs about 550,000 more homes.
Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia face the worst problems. Spain's public rental housing makes up less than 2 per cent of supply.
The European Union average is 8 per cent.
- 87 years old
- Abascal's age
- 500 euros
- Original monthly rent
- 2,650 euros
- Raised to
- 550,000
- Homes Spain needs
Why it mattersSpain's housing crisis is forcing out ordinary workers and pensioners. The economy grows but their incomes do not keep up. Their anger is pushing them into the streets.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but Australia faces similar housing affordability challenges that spark political pressure for policy change.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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