Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old resident of Madrid’s Retiro district, is set to return to her home following an agreement reached late Monday between the investment firm Urbagestión and her legal representatives. The settlement concludes a five-day standoff that began when Abascal was evicted from the property, sparking widespread protests across Spain and intensifying national debates regarding housing policy.
Terms of the Settlement and Housing Tenure
Under the terms of the agreement, Abascal will return to her residence upon her discharge from the Gregorio Marañón hospital, where she had been receiving care since her eviction last week. Her legal counsel, Beatriz Duro, stated that the new rental contract will span eight years. The monthly rent will be set at approximately 30% of Abascal’s income, aligning closely with the amount she paid under her previous “renta antigua” (long-term historical lease) agreement.
The deal remains subject to final ratification by Abascal herself. The Empresa Municipal de Vivienda y Suelo (EMVS) of Madrid facilitated the negotiations, which lasted four hours on Monday night. Ana de Miguel, a representative for the municipal entity, confirmed that while the exact rent figure awaits final documentation, it will remain within the agreed-upon percentage of the tenant’s net income.
Context of the Eviction and Public Response
Abascal’s eviction last Wednesday prompted immediate public backlash, including demonstrations across the country and a sustained encampment at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol. The case became a focal point for housing advocacy groups, including the Sindicat de Llogateres (Tenants’ Union), which provided support to Abascal throughout the legal process. The incident also influenced ongoing discussions between the Spanish government and political partners regarding the implementation of emergency housing decrees.
Prior to the agreement, the property owners had proposed ceding the apartment to the Madrid municipal government for use as social housing. However, the city council declined the offer, stating that the property did not meet the regulatory requirements for their housing portfolio. Before the final resolution, the property owners had reportedly sought a rental increase to 1,650 euros—a sum exceeding Abascal’s monthly pension of 1,350 euros.
Mediated Resolution and Administrative Role
The involvement of the Empresa Municipal de Vivienda y Suelo proved critical in breaking the deadlock. Following the rejection of the initial handover proposal, the municipal company pivoted to a mediation role. This intervention allowed for the negotiation of a new contract rather than the outright sale or transfer of the property. Representatives for Abascal and the Sindicat de Llogateres characterized the outcome as a significant development, while also criticizing the perceived lack of proactive intervention from broader public administrative bodies during the initial stages of the conflict.
Next Steps for the Tenant
Abascal is currently awaiting medical clearance from the Gregorio Marañón hospital. Once she receives her discharge, the agreement provides for her immediate return to the apartment on Calle Alcalde Sainz de Baranda. The case remains a prominent example of the current housing disputes in major Spanish cities, with further legislative measures expected to be addressed by the Council of Ministers.
