Madrid Housing Protest Grows After Eviction, Spain PM Vows Action

Housing protesters camped overnight Saturday in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square, vowing to stay as long as needed to press the government on Spain’s housing crisis.

Dozens of protesters set up roughly 100 tents in the square after a demonstration sparked by the eviction last week of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her lifelong home. David Muller-Plantenberg, a 22-year-old student, stated protesters are prepared with tents, sleeping bags, and portable batteries. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged swift government action on Sunday, proposing a housing law with rental protections.

The movement was triggered by a police eviction on September 23, where Maricarmen Abascal was carried out on a stretcher after police broke down her door. This incident caused widespread outrage and tapped into resentment over spiraling housing costs in Spain’s major cities. Tens of thousands of protesters took to Madrid’s streets on Saturday, rattling keys and blowing whistles.

Authorities estimated 25,000 people participated, while the Madrid Tenants’ Union, which organized the protest, claimed over 300,000 turned out. Many then set up their tent camp in Puerta del Sol, vowing to stay until housing access improves or the government falls. Sergio, a 28-year-old protester, said they would stay as long as necessary as pressure mounts.

The housing problem has become an issue ahead of a general election due for 2027. The Bank of Spain estimated a shortage of 550,000 homes across the country last year. Protesters carried signs reading "You could be the next Maricarmen" and "Vulture funds get out." Volunteers distributed food, water, and cleaned litter in the camp.

The camp is reminiscent of the 15-M movement that began in Madrid on March 15, 2011. The "Maricarmen effect" has become a trigger for protests called in 40 cities under the slogan "Not one more Maricarmen."