Spanish government agrees measures against housing crisis and evictions — Deutsche Welle
Spain’s coalition government has agreed on new measures to tackle the housing crisis, including a ban on evictions until 2030. The decision was made after the forced eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen, from her apartment in Madrid, which prompted mass solidarity actions across the country, Deutsche Welle reports.
Measures for tenants
Spanish Health Minister Mónica García said the proposed housing legislation also provides for stricter rules for short-term rentals and a two-year extension of existing lease agreements. García, who represents the junior partner in the left-wing Sumar coalition, said there was a need to intervene in the speculative housing market and restore a balance between citizens and funds that buy distressed assets.
However, the measures agreed by the Cabinet still need to be backed by parliament. The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez does not have a parliamentary majority, so it will need votes from other political forces for the legislation to take effect.
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Maricarmen’s case
Last week, videos and photographs spread on social media showing police officers escorting Maricarmen out of her apartment in Madrid’s Retiro district. The woman uses a wheelchair. Her father first rented the dwelling in 1956, and after her parents’ deaths, she remained there as a tenant.
According to El País, Maricarmen’s apartment was rented out by a private individual until 2018, after which it was purchased by a real estate company that took over management of the dwelling. The legal dispute between the woman and the company lasted eight years, and the latest eviction was the fourth attempt to remove her from the home.
On Saturday, thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid, and some participants pitched tents in Puerta del Sol square. On Sunday, new participants joined the protests, including families spanning several generations. Lawyer Beatriz Duro said that Maricarmen would be able to return home, calling it the result of public mobilization.
