Madrid Eviction of 87-Year-Old Maricarmen Sparks Nationwide Protests and Police Clashes

Key points

• Maricarmen was evicted from her flat in Madrid's Retiro district on Wednesday, ending a 70-year tenancy that began with her father in 1956.
• The eviction was the fourth attempt, with previous tries blocked by courts; this time, police forcibly removed protesters to allow court officials to proceed.
• Urbagestión, the property company, raised her rent from €500 to €1,650, exceeding her €1,350 monthly pension, despite a Supreme Court ruling in their favor.
• Protests drew around 10,000 people in Madrid and similar demonstrations in cities like Barcelona and Seville, with police using batons and teargas.
• The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had called for the eviction to be halted in June, but the Spanish government and local authorities stated they had offered housing options that Maricarmen declined.

Background

This incident follows a long legal battle and previous eviction attempts in October 2025 and June 2026. It occurs amid a broader housing crisis in Spain, where Madrid rents have risen over 100% in the last decade. The case gained international attention after the UN intervened, and it follows earlier coverage of Maricarmen's situation as a symbol of housing speculation.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews emphasizes the scale of the protests, noting 10,000 attendees in Madrid and demonstrations across Spain, and highlights the UN's failed appeal. BBC focuses on the financial disparity, detailing the rent increase from €500 to €1,650 against her €1,350 pension, and mentions the rejection of an anonymous donor's offer. The Guardian highlights the police violence, including teargas and baton charges, and the involvement of celebrities like Carlos Bardem and Ana Belén. All sources agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: Euronews on the political response and UN role, BBC on the economic crisis, and The Guardian on the immediate conflict and celebrity support.

Why it matters

The eviction of Maricarmen has become a focal point for Spain's housing crisis, illustrating the impact of speculative investment and rising rents on vulnerable populations. It has sparked nationwide protests and political debate, with the central government blaming local authorities and landlords, while critics argue for stronger action on housing supply and regulation. The case underscores the tension between private property rights and social welfare in a context of severe housing shortages.

What to watch

Maricarmen has moved in with relatives after declining a place in a residential facility. The Madrid Tenants' Union plans to continue campaigning for housing rights, and Urbagestión is claiming €10,000 in damages from the union. The case may lead to further legal or political actions regarding housing policy and eviction procedures in Spain.