Maricarmen Abascal was given about 30 minutes to collect her belongings on 23 September 2026. The 87-year-old was carried out of her Madrid home on a stretcher and taken away by ambulance, making her eviction the focus of a wider campaign over Spain's housing and rental rules. Reuters reported that social services were with her; BBC and The New York Times Spanish edition reported that she later ended up in hospital.
The Sindicato de Inquilinas de Madrid called Saturday's march under the slogan "Ni una Maricarmen más". It began at Puerta del Sol at 18.30 and moved through the centre of the capital towards the parliament. Organisers put the proposed "Decreto Maricarmen" at the centre of the protest.
The package has not been approved. The Sindicato de Inquilinas wants the Council of Ministers to adopt the so-called "real decreto Maricarmen" on Tuesday. Its proposals address eviction risks for vulnerable tenants, seek extensions to rental contracts and set rules for seasonal and room rentals.
Spanish outlet Democrata reported that, as of 23 September 2026, the measure had not been introduced in parliament or entered a formal legislative process. For now, it remains a political demand rather than an adopted law.
Alicia del Río, a spokesperson for the Sindicato de Inquilinas de Madrid, called the eviction "un punto de no retorno" in the housing struggle. She wants automatic contract renewals that could make agreements indefinite. Her demands also include a rent freeze and action against the fraudulent use of seasonal and room contracts. She is also calling for a moratorium on evictions when no alternative accommodation exists.
The mobilisation extended beyond Madrid. Reuters and DW reported demonstrations involving hundreds or even thousands of people in the capital and other Spanish cities. The New York Times and other outlets also reported on the protests. Estimates differed, but the reports pointed to a broad national reaction rather than an isolated neighbourhood protest.
The case has already been documented in an earlier report. Saturday's demonstration shifted attention from one tenancy dispute to demands aimed at the national rental system.
Organisers accused the Community of Madrid of encouraging property speculation. They also criticised the central government for failing to intervene more decisively. Reuters and Euronews reported that the eviction followed several earlier attempts; Euronews described the completed procedure as the fourth attempt.
At around 18.45, the front of the march left Puerta del Sol, following a van that encouraged participants. Protesters shouted "Ayuso dimisión" outside the headquarters of the regional government. They also criticised Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida. The Government of Pedro Sánchez was also a target.
"¿Dónde está el Gobierno progresista?" was one of the chants heard along the route. The crowd called for a rent strike and a general strike. Protesters also shouted "Que viva la lucha de la clase obrera".
Traffic near the Congreso de los Diputados was cut about 45 minutes after the mobilisation began. The procession moved peacefully along Calle de Alcalá towards Cibeles before continuing to the parliamentary building.
The political question is specific: will the Government approve the proposed protections, or explain why vulnerable tenants can still face eviction without another home available?
The demonstration does not show that the "Decreto Maricarmen" has become law. It shows that Maricarmen Abascal's removal has become the organising point for a broader campaign against insecure rentals.
Reuters and The New York Times have described the case as a political symbol of Spain's wider crisis over housing and evictions, including rental insecurity. Housing affordability and rising rents are among the country's central social conflicts in 2026. The Government's response is the next test.
