Protests in Spain over elderly tenant’s eviction:Rent relief bill defeated in Parliament, PM Sánchez calls general election 8 months early

The eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid home has become a major political issue in Spain, triggering protests over rising rents and evictions and putting pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in several cities, demanding action against soaring rents and the displacement of tenants. The controversy also came as the government attempted to pass emergency housing measures in Parliament but failed to secure enough support. Following the political setback, Sánchez announced that Spain would hold general elections on November 29, around eight months earlier than originally scheduled. 87-year-old had lived in the house for nearly 70 years The controversy began on September 23, when 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal was evicted from her Madrid home, where she had lived for nearly 70 years. The Abascal family had rented the property for decades. In 2018, the building’s original owner sold the entire property to a real estate company, after which a dispute over the rent began. The company increased Abascal’s monthly rent from €500 to €2,650. Her monthly pension was around €1,350, meaning the new rent was almost twice her entire monthly income. Unable to pay the increased rent, Abascal became involved in a legal dispute with the company and was eventually evicted. Videos of eviction trigger protests Images and videos of Abascal being removed from her home spread widely, prompting public outrage. Protesters argued that the case reflected a much wider housing problem in Spain: if an elderly person cannot afford rent even after spending their entire pension on it, the issue goes beyond an individual tenancy dispute. Demonstrations were held in Madrid and other cities against rising rents and evictions. Abascal’s case gradually became a symbol of Spain’s worsening housing affordability crisis. Government brings emergency housing measures Under growing pressure, Sánchez’s government said urgent measures were needed to protect elderly and other vulnerable tenants from eviction. On September 29, the government introduced two emergency housing measures in Parliament. The proposals included stronger protections for vulnerable families facing eviction and steps to expand access to affordable housing. However, Sánchez’s government does not have a majority in Parliament and depends on other parties to pass major legislation. Both housing proposals rejected Parliament voted on the two measures on October 2, but neither proposal secured a majority and both were rejected. The defeat did not immediately bring down Sánchez’s government. However, it highlighted the government’s difficulty in passing major legislation without sufficient parliamentary support. The setback came as Sánchez was already facing political pressure over corruption allegations, immigration and the government’s lack of a stable majority. Sánchez calls early election After the defeat, Sánchez held discussions with his party and coalition partners before deciding to call an early general election. Spain was originally expected to hold elections in 2027, but voting will now take place on November 29, 2026. The election is expected to focus heavily on housing. Sánchez’s government is likely to campaign on measures to make housing and rents more affordable, while the opposition is expected to highlight the government’s inability to pass key legislation and its broader political troubles. Housing may become a key election issue Housing costs have risen sharply in Spain in recent years, particularly in Madrid and other major cities. Both rents and property prices have become increasingly difficult for many residents to afford. Against this backdrop, Abascal’s eviction has grown beyond the story of one elderly woman losing her home. It has become a symbol of a broader question facing Spain: Can ordinary people afford to live in the country’s major cities on their current incomes? With the November 29 election approaching, the housing crisis could become one of the most important issues shaping the campaign.