An 87‑year‑old woman was evicted from her home after 70 years in March 2024, triggering a march of thousands in Madrid. The incident has become a rallying cry for Spain’s housing crisis.
The woman, whose name is not disclosed, lived in a rented flat in Madrid. According to a Guardian report, the landlord terminated her lease citing a breach of contract. She had paid rent for seven decades, a fact that drew media attention.
Spain’s housing market has seen rents rise 15% in the last decade, according to data from the Ministry of Housing. The eviction highlights a broader trend of landlords prioritising profit over long‑term tenants.
Thousands marched in Madrid to protest the eviction. The protest was organised by local tenant associations, who said the incident “exposes the fragility of rental security” (source: AP News). The woman’s case has become a symbol of the struggle faced by many Spanish renters.
Since the 2008 financial crisis, Spain has struggled with a housing shortage. The government’s austerity measures in 2010 reduced social housing, leading to a sharp increase in private rentals. The current crisis is partly a continuation of those policies.
Housing authorities are reviewing eviction policies. A new draft bill, pending parliamentary debate, aims to strengthen tenant rights and curb excessive rent hikes. The law could change the dynamics of the market, but implementation remains uncertain.
