Protests, debate follow death of Maricarmen, 87, Spain protest symbol | Housing News | Al Jazeera

Thousands of Spaniards protested outside Spain’s parliament after the death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, whose eviction sparked nationwide protests and a snap general election. Abascal died after being hospitalized for anxiety and exhaustion following her eviction from her Madrid home on September 23. Protesters called her death a murder, leaving flowers and notes at her former residence, as debates over housing shortages and rising rents intensified. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a snap election for November 29 after parliament failed to pass emergency housing measures.