It shouldn’t take the eviction of an 87-year-old to get Spain’s housing crisis fixed
Pédro Sanchez is an admirer of Zohran Mamdani. It’s time Spanish politicians emulated the New York mayor’s relentless focus on affordable homes
TL;DR
- Maricarmen Abascal, 87, was evicted from her Madrid apartment of over 70 years, sparking national protests.
- Evictions are down in Spain but many, especially young people and pensioners, struggle with housing costs.
- Abascal's case involved a real estate company increasing her rent significantly after buying her apartment.
- A new housing bill introduced by the government aims to ban evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, limit rent hikes, and restrict investment fund purchases.
- Political divisions and decentralization have hindered comprehensive housing reform in Spain.
- The case highlights the need for politicians to emulate Zohran Mamdani's focus on affordable housing solutions.