1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
PoliticsSpain

87-year-old at heart of Spanish housing protests dies

02:31

This browser does not support the video element.

October 8, 2026

Maricarmen Abascal, the woman whose eviction from her Madrid home of seven decades sparked protests across Spain, has died in hospital. The death of the 87-year-old has prompted fresh demonstrations and a vigil.

Hundreds are camping in Puerta del Sol square in the center of the Spanish capital, holding a vigil for the elderly woman whose eviction sparked nationwide protests. Spain faces a deepening housing crisis, with rising rents leaving many residents struggling to afford a home, and growing anger over properties being turned into accommodation for tourists.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW