Spain proposes eviction ban and housing reforms after 87-year-old woman’s forced removal sparks protests

Consensus Summary

The forced eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, from her Madrid home last Wednesday has sparked a national outcry in Spain, leading the government to propose sweeping housing reforms. Abascal, who was removed on a stretcher by UrbaGestion—a company labeled a vulture fund—became the focal point of protests after her landlord demanded a rent increase from €533 to €1,650. Both ABC and the Guardian report that her eviction triggered demonstrations in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, with hundreds of protesters demanding rent freezes and automatic lease renewals. The government’s response includes a proposed ban on evictions until 2030 and restrictions on vulture funds until 2028, though the measures will be split into two decrees, with the second facing opposition in parliament.

The crisis stems from Spain’s long-standing housing affordability issues, exacerbated by speculative investment and the rise of vulture funds that acquire properties for profit. The Guardian highlights that Ada Colau, a former Barcelona mayor, recently lost her own home after 15 years due to unaffordable rent, illustrating the broader struggle. Meanwhile, the ABC notes that the government is expanding the definition of vulture funds to include smaller speculative entities, with UrbaGestion cited as an example. Protesters argue that the reforms do not go far enough, particularly the division of measures into separate decrees, which critics say dilutes their impact.

Key figures in the debate include Health Minister Mónica García, who framed the reforms as necessary to counter speculative housing practices, and Junts’ Miriam Nogueras, who warned against lumping small landlords together with large funds. The Guardian reports García calling the reforms an 'unthinkable' achievement just a month ago, while the ABC emphasizes the legal and political hurdles ahead, including the need for Junts’ support. Abascal’s lawyer, Beatriz Duro, condemned her eviction as unjust and urged a systemic response to the housing crisis, a sentiment echoed by tenant unions.

While both sources agree on the core details—Abascal’s eviction, the protest response, and the government’s proposed measures—they differ slightly in framing. The ABC focuses more on the legal and political maneuvering, such as the parliamentary session scheduled for Friday, while the Guardian emphasizes the human cost, including Colau’s personal struggle. The Guardian also notes that the Tenants’ Union opposes the decree-splitting tactic, calling it a deliberate weakening of reforms. Meanwhile, the ABC provides more specific financial details, such as Abascal’s proposed repayment of 30% of her pension over eight years, equivalent to €500 a month.

Despite the government’s urgency, the reforms face significant challenges. The Guardian reports that conservative parties like Junts remain skeptical, demanding protections for small landlords, while the ABC notes that the second decree—addressing automatic contract rollovers—is seen as the 'final sticking point.' Protesters in Madrid show no signs of leaving Puerta del Sol until their demands are fully met, and further demonstrations are planned. The Guardian adds that the government has 30 days to reach a consensus with allies, though the political landscape remains fragmented, with opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo dismissing the proposals as insufficient to address an eight-year-old crisis.