Protesters and supporters gathered in Madrid on Thursday to pay tribute to 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen, whose eviction from her longtime home sparked protests across Spain. She died in hospital on Wednesday.
Flowers, candles and messages were left at an improvised memorial as demonstrators vowed to continue their fight for affordable housing and greater protection against evictions.
For many protesters, Maricarmen had become a symbol of Spain’s housing crisis. Her death has strengthened their resolve, with some describing it as a result of a system that leaves vulnerable people without adequate protection.
“We must continue,” said 24-year-old demonstrator Guillermo Martín, echoing calls from protesters to keep up the pressure for change.