• Protests sparked by the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal continue in Madrid.
• Demonstrators demand stronger tenant protections and halt to evictions without alternative housing.
• Eviction has symbolized broader housing crisis affecting many Spaniards amidst soaring rents.
• Spain faces a shortage of multiple hundreds of thousands of homes, exacerbating the crisis.
• Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promises government action on housing reforms.

Protesters in Madrid have camped outside the Puerta del Sol for multiple days following the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, who was forcibly removed from her home where she lived for over seventy years. The eviction, conducted by police on Sept. 23, has sparked outrage among both individuals and activist groups, leading to tens of thousands marching in the streets over the weekend demanding greater protections for tenants and a halt to evictions when no alternative housing is available, according to latimes, npr, and reuters.

Abascal, affectionately known as "Maricarmen," was removed on a stretcher, with supporters expressing their disdain through chants and demanding systemic change in housing policies. Alicia del Río, a spokesperson for the Madrid Tenants' Union, stated, "The wave of indignation and anger that has been unleashed is now unstoppable," emphasizing the protesters' commitment to staying at the plaza until meaningful legislation is passed, as noted by latimes and npr.

Rising housing costs have further contributed to the crisis, with the Bank of Spain estimating a deficit of up to 750,000 homes. As a result, many residents find themselves increasingly unable to afford rent, which has doubled in the past decade compared to stagnant wages. Critics argue that investment funds are exacerbating the situation by driving up rental prices. "Maricarmen has been, in a way, the last straw that sparked this social unrest," remarked teacher Simón de la Riva, highlighting how her eviction resonated with widespread dissatisfaction, according to reuters and npr.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has promised a new Royal Decree addressing the housing issue, with expectations of urgent reforms aimed at providing immediate relief to tenants. He called on parliamentary groups to collaborate on this initiative, which he hopes will alleviate the pressures faced by many Spaniards struggling with inadequate housing options. The government announced it is investigating measures to ensure stronger tenant protections, as reported by latimes, reuters, and npr.