Photos: Protests erupt after 87-year-old evicted woman dies in Madrid

Activists said her case exposed the human cost of soaring rents and aggressive evictions.Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez led tributes online, calling her “a symbol” of renters struggling with Spain’s affordability crisis and writing on X: “All my love to Maricarmen’s family and loved ones. … Rest in peace.” Protesters gathered near parliament chanted: “Maricarmen lives.

The fight goes on!”Her lawyer, Beatriz Duro, said activists were devastated, calling the eviction “shameful violence” that showed “the impact it can have on people’s health”.

Housing groups stressed that although a deal was eventually reached allowing her to return home, the agreement came “too late” after a “harrowing ordeal”.Spain’s average rent has almost doubled in a decade, and the government said more than a quarter of tenants spend about 40 percent of their income on housing and utilities – more than double the EU average.Abascal’s removal from her home so the property could be relet….

After failing to pass emergency housing measures, Sanchez called an early election for November 29, hoping to channel public anger into support for his Socialist Party.Conservative opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo also offered condolences, urging “respect” and warning against using Abascal’s death for political gain.

Nationwide outrage grows after the death of woman whose eviction sparked protests and political tensions.