Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old Madrid resident whose eviction from her home of more than 70 years last month drew widespread attention to Spain’s housing crisis, died on Wednesday after being hospitalized for severe anxiety and exhaustion. Her eviction on September 23, carried out by police and social workers who removed her by stretcher, ignited large-scale protests across Madrid and other cities, with thousands demanding action to address rising rents and housing shortages.

Abascal’s case became a focal point in Spain’s escalating housing debate ahead of a snap general election called by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for November 29. The government’s attempts to pass emergency measures aimed at limiting evictions and rent increases were rejected in parliament last week, exacerbating tensions. Trade unions have announced a nationwide strike over housing issues scheduled for November 11.

Following news of Abascal’s death, demonstrators marched from Puerta del Sol, where activists had been camping in protest, toward the Spanish parliament. Chants of “This is not a death. It’s a murder!” echoed through the streets as thousands paid tribute. Protests also took place in Barcelona and other cities. A tenants’ union representing the evicted tenants issued a statement calling her death “completely avoidable” and emblematic of the wider crisis. They urged people to continue fighting for housing rights, honoring Abascal’s legacy.

The political response to Abascal’s death has been sharply divided. Left-leaning parties criticized conservative officials, including the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, and the regional government led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, for failing to use their authority to prevent the eviction and for opposing social housing initiatives. Rita Maestre, leader of the left-wing Más Madrid party, condemned the eviction as a contributing factor to Abascal's death. In contrast, Almeida rejected these accusations as politically motivated, accusing opponents of exploiting the tragedy for electoral gain. The conservative People’s Party (PP), which controls Madrid’s city and regional assemblies, declined to hold a minute of silence in Abascal’s honor, a decision that drew criticism and led to tributes being held outside City Hall by opposition groups.

Abascal's housing situation was complex. She had lived in the Madrid flat since 1956, initially under a Franco-era rent control tenancy inherited from her father. The tenancy passed through her family until 2005 when she became the registered tenant. When the building was sold in 2018 to an investment fund, the new owners sought to regain control. Courts later ruled the tenancy succession had expired, leading to her eviction. Abascal was reportedly offered a new eight-year lease with rent capped at 30 percent of her pension, an agreement she was set to sign before her passing.

The incident has underscored deep divisions in Spain over housing policy, the role of private investment funds in the rental market, and the government’s capacity to address the needs of vulnerable tenants. As the country approaches the November election, the housing crisis remains a key issue shaping public debate and political campaigns.