High Rent Protests and the Symbol of Maricarmen in Spain

Thousands of people in Spain's capital, Madrid, held a march in memory of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, who became a symbol of eviction and recently passed away.

Widespread March in Madrid

Students, immigrants, workers, and retirees gathered in Madrid on Thursday to make their voices heard against rising rents and stagnant wages.

Protesters described the situation as sheer madness and argued that urgent steps must be taken against the housing crisis.

The Tragic Story of Maricarmen

Known popularly as Maricarmen, 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal had shaken the entire country with her dramatic eviction two weeks ago.

Abascal, who passed away on Wednesday, became the unofficial symbol of the severe housing crisis and exorbitant rent increases in Spain.

The Gap Between Rents and Wages

According to an analysis by the newspaper El País, rents in the country have surged by 87 percent since 2015.

Over the same period, workers' wages have only increased by 28 percent, creating a deep economic imbalance.

Political Repercussions and Early Elections

Left-leaning Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that he decided to call early elections in order to secure a majority in parliament to find a solution to the housing crisis.

Conservative and far-right parties, on the other hand, view this election as a direct referendum on Prime Minister Sánchez.