Spain debates housing reforms after elderly woman's eviction sparks nationwide protests

Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman, was evicted from her Madrid flat after a landlord raised her rent from 500 € to 2 650 € despite her pension of 1 350 €, making the payment unaffordable. The eviction, though lawful, triggered mass demonstrations throughout Spain and a prolonged occupation of Puerta del Sol. The government, under pressure, began negotiating a rapid housing decree, yet many view it as insufficient given the long-standing tension between market logic and social need.

Historical context shows the "renta antigua" contract, originating from early 20th-century rent controls, once shielded tenants like Maricarmen but was eroded over decades. Scholars such as Julián Besteiro, Barriobero, Miguel Artola, Edward P. Thompson, Karl Polanyi, Sven Beckert and Nancy Fraser are cited to illustrate the moral and political clash between legal rights and perceived legitimacy in housing policy.