Elderly Madrid resident allowed back into flat after eviction sparks nationwide protests
An 87‑year‑old woman was removed from her longtime Madrid flat after a court upheld a new owner's claim, prompting mass demonstrations in the capital. Protesters gathered in Madrid demanding stronger tenant protections, while union leaders such as Alberto Masías and Alicia del Rio voiced support. The government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, faces pressure as a draft housing decree nicknamed the “Maricarmen decree” outlines measures on eviction protection, short‑term rentals and investment‑fund purchases. On Monday, the resident’s attorney announced a deal with the real‑estate firm that will let her return to the apartment under terms that keep her monthly payment at about €500.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 13h later
- Coverage peaked at 6 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The case puts Spain’s housing crisis in the spotlight and heightens calls for nationwide tenant‑protection reforms.
How this story developed
- Sep 22 Hundreds rally to stop eviction of 87-year-old tenant in Madrid
- Sep 23 The fourth eviction attempt was carried out by police on Wednesday morning.
- Sep 25 Maricarmen was hospitalized and declined the mayor’s emergency shelter offer, opting to remain with family in Segovia.
- Sep 27 Hundreds of activists erected a tent camp in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol following the eviction.
- Sep 29 After mass demonstrations, an 87-year-old woman in Madrid will return to her flat under new rental terms.
- Sep 29 The cabinet agreed to divide the housing decree-law into two separate measures, hoping at least one will survive a vote in Congress.
- Sep 29 A deal was reached that allows the senior resident to return to her apartment.
- Sep 29 The government announced it will separate the housing decree into two bills.
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