Demonstrators have set up a tent city in Madrid to protest the housing crisis after an elderly woman was evicted from her home of 70 years.

Protesters in Madrid have established a sit-in featuring approximately 150 tents to demand housing reform following the eviction of a long-term resident named Maricarmen. The demonstration follows a large march on Saturday, with turnout estimates ranging from 25,000 according to authorities to over 300,000 according to the Madrid Tenants’ Union. Participants intend to remain in the square until at least Tuesday, coinciding with a scheduled meeting of the Spanish government.

The Eviction of Maricarmen

Maricarmen had resided in her Madrid apartment for approximately 70 years, following her father's initial rental agreement in 1956. According to the Madrid Tenants’ Union, an investment fund later acquired the property and raised the monthly rent from €500 to €2,650, eventually lowering it to €1,650. Following multiple attempts, police carried out the eviction on Wednesday, during which Maricarmen was hospitalized due to exhaustion.

Broader Housing Demands

Protesters are calling for rent freezes, enhanced tenant protections, and a ban on evictions that do not provide alternative housing. The Bank of Spain reported a national shortage of approximately 550,000 homes last year. Furthermore, public subsidized rental housing accounts for less than 2% of Spain's total housing stock, significantly lower than the 8% average across the European Union.