Spain’s housing crisis in spotlight with eviction of pensioner, 8

Thousands protested in Madrid, Barcelona and elsewhere on Wednesday night after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home intensified anger over Spain’s unaffordable housing market.

Eviction broadcast live

Abascal’s 70-year stay at her home in upmarket central Madrid ended on Wednesday when she left escorted on a stretcher.

She was flanked by protesters on one side and police on the other during the eviction, a traumatic event that was broadcast live on TV.

The case has put Spain’s housing crisis back in the spotlight because Abascal was unable to afford a 275-per cent increase to the monthly rent imposed by the real estate firm that owned her flat.

The eviction has made her what was described as the cruellest symbol of a crisis that has stalked Spain for years.

Wider anger over rents and buying costs

The protests reflected outrage not only at Abascal’s eviction but also at a market widely denounced as unaffordable for renters and buyers.

The anger has cut across generations, with the housing market described as unaffordable for young and old alike.

The eviction has also highlighted political paralysis that has thwarted efforts to resolve Spain’s chronic housing crisis.

That paralysis is fuelling debate before next year’s election, as the case of Abascal has become a focal point for public frustration over housing costs.

Source: South China Morning Post