Spanish housing crisis peaks as 87-year-old's eviction sparks Madrid protests, Sanchez to act
Spaniards protest in Madrid after 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal was evicted when her rent jumped 275% to €2,650 monthly following 70 years in her apartment. Demonstrators have set up around 100 tents in Puerta del Sol square, vowing to continue pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over soaring housing costs as the country approaches elections next year.
The protest comes as Spain's average rental price per square meter has doubled over the past decade to €15.10 ($17.05), while property purchase prices rose over 50% in the same period to €2,355 per square meter. Sanchez is due to present a new housing bill on Tuesday (Sept 29) expected to include automatic rental contract renewal and further eviction restrictions, though its passage remains uncertain without parliamentary majority after a similar bill was defeated earlier this year.
For Nigerians, this highlights extreme consequences of unchecked housing speculation - relevant as cities like Lagos and Abuja face similar affordability pressures. It also informs those considering relocation to Spain (Japa) about current market challenges where average rents now consume significant portions of income.
Will Sanchez's proposed measures provide meaningful relief for Spaniards struggling with housing costs, or will protesters need to maintain pressure for stronger action to protect vulnerable populations like Abascal?