The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old disabled woman, has sparked widespread protests across Spain. According to her lawyer, Abascal will be able to return to her home in Madrid following the eviction that took place on September 23.
Background
Abascal was forcibly removed from her apartment, where she had lived for over 70 years, and was subsequently admitted to the hospital. Her eviction ignited significant public anger, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to promise housing relief measures during an upcoming cabinet meeting.
Legal Developments
Beatriz Duro, Abascal's lawyer, announced at a press conference that there had been "goodwill from both parties" regarding a new rental agreement. Under this agreement, Abascal will pay a similar amount of rent, avoiding a substantial price increase.
Abascal's father first rented the property in 1956, and she continued as the tenant after her parents passed away. During her tenancy, there was a cap on the rent. However, the investment firm Urbagestión, which purchased the property in 2018, attempted to raise her rent from €500 per month to €2,650. Although the company later offered to reduce the rent to €1,650, Abascal was unable to afford this amount with her monthly pension of €1,350.
