Evicted Spanish pensioner can move back home, lawyer says
An evicted elderly disabled woman, who became symbolic of Spain's housing crisis, will be able to return to her home in Madrid, according to her lawyer.
Maricarmen Abascal, 87, was forcibly removed on a stretcher from her apartment of more than 70 years on 23 September. She was admitted to hospital after the eviction.
The eviction led to widespread anger across Spain, and prime minister Pedro Sanchez has promised housing relief measures when his cabinet meets on Tuesday.
Abascal's lawyer, Beatriz Duro, told a press conference there had been "goodwill from both parties" and that she would pay a similar amount of rent under a new contract, averting a significant price hike.
Abascal's father first rented the property in 1956 and she continued as the tenant after her parents died, during which time there was a cap on the rent.
Investment firm Urbagestión, which bought the property in 2018, increased the rent from €500 per month (£428; $572) to €2,650 (£2,280; $3,020).
The company later offered to reduce this to €1,650 however she was still unable to pay this with her monthly pension of €1,350.
Three previous attempts to evict her were blocked by the courts.
Her case triggered nationwide protests and tens of thousands of people to march through the Spanish capital on Saturday to object to the eviction and to demand stronger protection for tenants in the face of a housing shortage and soaring rents.
Watch: Spain’s housing crisis in focus after eviction of 87-year-old woman
Duro said the agreement, yet to be signed, was the "result of the social mobilisation".
She added that Abascal, who is being treated for exhaustion, would sign the deal when she feels better.
Supporters called it a victory but promised to continue their fight to prevent similar evictions, and to press for more affordable housing.
The Bank of Spain estimates the country is short of 700,000 homes, based on the gap between demand and new construction.
Pedro Sanchez's Socialist Party, which lacks a majority in Parliament, is hoping to pass a law to appease public outrage.
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