Spain has endured a housing crisis for years, with rent prices surging over 80% in the last decade. It is becoming increasingly unaffordable, with no end in sight, due to rising tourism, the country’s political division, and a shortage of homes available to citizens. These ongoing issues, as well as recent events, have put the crisis into the spotlight.
Protests have recently erupted across the nation. Citizens are demanding changes to the legislation after an 87-year-old woman was evicted from her home of 70 years on Sept. 23, 2026. María del Carmen “Maricarmen” Abascal was forcibly removed from her apartment after she could not afford the significant rent increase demanded by the real estate company Urbagestión. In 2018, they attempted to increase her monthly rent from €500 to €2,650, which is 430% more. They later lowered it to €1,650, which is a 230% increase and still more than she could afford with her monthly pension. They had attempted to evict her three times prior — and as much as she tried to stay, she was forced out on a stretcher. This eviction sparked public outrage and has shined a light on Spain’s longstanding housing debacle.
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Barcelona, Valencia, and the capital, Madrid. The protesters hold signs and chant messages emphasizing their disapproval of the eviction and current legislation. In Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid’s main squares, people have camped out in tents as they demand reform.
In response, Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, put forward emergency measures aimed at helping with the housing dilemma. In two decree-laws, these measures included bans on evictions and “vulture funds,” increased taxes for tourist apartments, regulation of temporary leases, and more. However, right-wing lawmakers rejected these measures — Juan Bravo, a Spanish right-wing politician, claimed the best approach to solve the housing crisis is “building more homes” rather than regulating.
Three days after this parliamentary defeat, Sánchez called for a snap election on Nov. 29th, 2026, six months earlier than the next scheduled election. The decision not only stemmed from the recent events, but a culmination of factors that have weakened Sánchez’s overall leadership. He has lost support after his involvement in corruption scandals, unpopular immigration policies, and high living costs. Sánchez believes in holding an early election so they can “win a much larger progressive majority in parliament,” in order to “continue transforming Spain.” However, many presume it is a political tactic to gain support by focusing on an issue significant to much of the Spanish population.
Shortly after the snap election was announced, Maricarmen Abascal died in the hospital she was taken to after being evicted. Marches occurred the days following in her honor. She is now remembered as a symbol of the Spanish housing crisis.
While there is uncertainty about what the future holds for Spain, in terms of the upcoming election and what reforms will be implemented, what is sure is that the nation is fervent and will not go unheard.