María del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen, has died at the age of 87, shortly after her eviction from her Madrid apartment of over 70 years sparked widespread protests against Spain's housing crisis. Her eviction, driven by a significant rent increase from an investment firm, resonated with many facing similar struggles in a market where rents have surged by 80% in a decade.
Abascal's death has intensified the ongoing housing debate in Spain, leading to a snap election called by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez following the rejection of emergency housing measures by opposition parties. Her situation has galvanized public sentiment, resulting in mass demonstrations and calls for policy changes to address the housing crisis more effectively.