Inflation and rising rents have fueled public woes in Spain these days, but the eviction of an 87-year-old woman turned that anger into a movement. Maria del Carmen Abascal, who lived in Madrid and is now known as Mary Carmen, lived in the same house for almost 70 years.

He was evicted from the house on September 23. There was an outcry across the country after pictures of him being brought out of the house on a stretcher surfaced. Since the video surfaced, thousands of people have taken to the streets in Madrid, as well as several other cities, demanding tenants’ rights.

The housing crisis in Spain

The matter is not limited to just evicting an old woman from her home. Behind this is a major housing crisis in Spain, where it is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary people to both buy and rent a home. Average rents in Spain have almost doubled in the last 10 years.

What does the government demand?

According to the government, about 26 percent of renters spend an average of 40% of their income on rent and household bills. In such a situation, the youth and low-income families are under the most pressure. Amidst this anger, people are demanding from the government rent controls, protection from evictions and more affordable housing.

The new owner raised the rent

Maricarmen lived in a house in Madrid for almost seven decades. According to the report, the ownership of the building changed in 2018 and the new owner tried to raise the rent. Considering their financial condition, it was difficult for them to pay the increased rent. He was finally evicted from the house in September.

Mary Carmen was relieved

Pictures of him being brought out on a stretcher in the presence of the police moved people. After this, his story became a symbol of Spain’s rising rents and tenant problems. However, Mary Carmen was later relieved. According to his lawyer, a settlement has been reached with the landlord’s company and he can return to his home after being discharged from the hospital.

Why did thousands of people take to the streets?

Under the agreement, her rent will be limited to 30% of her income and she will pay around 500 euros per month as before. After the Maricarmen incident, around 1,000 protesters camped out in Puerta del Sol in Madrid for several days. The agitators say they will not leave until the government takes concrete steps to protect the tenants. A similar demonstration was launched in Barcelona.

Why are houses so expensive in Spain?

One of Spain’s biggest problems is the lack of affordable rental housing. Average rent has almost doubled in the last decade. According to the data, the average house rent in 2016 was 8.20 euros per square meter, which will increase to around 15.10 euros in 2026.

According to government statistics, the number of government or publicly rented houses in Spain is also very low. State-owned housing accounts for less than 2% of available rental housing, compared to an EU average of 8%. Which directly affects people who have low income or who are not in a position to buy a house.