María del Carmen Abascal, a Spanish senior citizen affectionately known as Maricarmen, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, following her recent eviction from her residence. This event is expected to reignite the protest movement and deepen divisions in Spain as the country approaches a national election next month, with housing emerging as a key issue. Supporters of Maricarmen gathered at an impromptu memorial in Madrid’s central Puerta del Sol, where approximately 1,000 individuals have been camping for the past two weeks to highlight Spain’s housing affordability crisis, which gained significant attention following Maricarmen’s eviction on September 23.
Messages of condolences, candles, flowers, and letters were left at the site, with one handwritten note on her former apartment door reading, “Rest in Peace Maricarmen,” accompanied by a drawn black heart. Additional messages were scattered along the street outside, with one expressing determination to continue the fight in her honor. In Barcelona, a renowned graffiti artist depicted Maricarmen, 87, in an angelic portrayal with wings, a halo, and a white robe, holding a key symbolizing the home she could not return to.
Many protesters believe that Maricarmen’s passing was a direct result of her eviction, prompting thousands to rally when she was forcefully removed from her home last month. She later succumbed in a hospital, and the cause of death was not disclosed by her lawyer. Demonstrators expressed their outrage with signs proclaiming, “These are not deaths, they are murders,” echoing sentiments shared during a procession towards the parliament upon learning of Maricarmen’s demise.
The tragic event has galvanized activists, with one protester stating, “She was the spark that ignited our camp-in and protest. Her passing has deeply affected us but will only strengthen our resolve to demand our rights and prevent further tragedies.” The blame is placed on property owners and investment funds exploiting basic rights for profit.
The housing crisis in Spain has led to soaring rental prices, leaving many struggling to afford adequate accommodation. Similar protests and camp-ins persist in Barcelona and other major cities, with the Tenants Union in Madrid organizing further demonstrations. The impact of Maricarmen’s eviction has reverberated in Spanish politics, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to pursue emergency housing measures, culminating in the call for snap elections to address the pressing issue.
As Spain prepares for the upcoming elections, Sánchez aims to leverage the housing crisis to mobilize progressive voters. The tragic death of Maricarmen is viewed as a pivotal moment, signaling the deadly consequences of evictions and property speculation. Left-wing parties observed a minute of silence in tribute to Maricarmen, whereas right-wing politicians abstained from participating, reflecting the deep political divisions surrounding the housing crisis.
The refusal of right-wing parties to engage in dialogue and calls for police intervention to disband the protest camp highlight the ongoing tensions in addressing the housing crisis. The government’s reluctance to regulate rental costs is met with resistance from conservative parties, citing concerns over stifling investment in new housing developments as Spain grapples with the urgent need for more affordable homes.