Maricarmen had lived in her Madrid home for 71 years before she was evicted at 87. Spanish politicians condemned the removal, and it drew criticism abroad, putting fresh pressure on Pedro Sánchez to win support for an urgent housing decree.
The case now reaches beyond one eviction in Chamberí. The United Nations has questioned what happened, while Amnistía Internacional condemned the outcome. International media have reported on the removal as an example of Spain's housing shortage and the clash between property investment and the right to housing.
Isabel Díaz Ayuso has said that around 25,500 evictions take place in Spain each year. She cited the figure to argue against treating Maricarmen's case as an isolated political event.
The political divide was already visible in Congress. One week before Maricarmen was evicted, Sumar brought a proposal against vulture funds to the chamber. It failed even to reach parliamentary consideration. PP, Vox, Junts and UPN voted against it, while PSOE and PNV abstained, information from reports on the vote. The result showed how difficult it will be to build a majority for tougher housing measures as the Government faces demands for immediate action.
Pedro Sánchez has said he has not ruled out urgently approving a new Real Decreto-ley de vivienda after Maricarmen's case. The measure has not been approved and would still need sufficient support in Congress. Congress would also have to confirm a decree-law within 30 days. The Government must turn public reaction into a workable agreement; it cannot present a proposed decree as an approved reform.
The dispute has become a fight between institutions. The Executive blamed the Comunidad de Madrid for the eviction, while Isabel Rodríguez accused Isabel Díaz Ayuso of favouring speculators. The PP expressed regret over what happened and blamed the Government for the lack of legislation. Madrid's Government delegate called the eviction
