Evicted pensioner Maricarmen has died
Two weeks after her eviction from the home she lived in for seven decades, 87-year-old Spanish pensioner Maricarmen Abascal has died. Her eviction sparked nationwide protests against the country's housing crisis, and a general strike has now been called for 11 November. For the Spanish press, Maricarmen has become a key symbol for the housing protests.
"Keep fighting for what belongs to you!"
In Eldiario.es, writer Isaac Rosa blames turbo-capitalism:
“Maricarmen had her home, her neighbourhood, her whole world snatched from her. People can die from grief, helplessness and fear. … Had Maricarmen not been living there, those who evicted her could have driven up the price of her flat far more quickly. Now, with her death, they have got what they wanted. Turbo-capitalism is devouring entire neighbourhoods and families. … 'Keep fighting for what belongs to you,' she said on the day of her eviction. … Maricarmen's memory will live on at the demonstrations, during the general strike on 11 November and with every eviction that is stopped.”
This woman changed Spain
Maricarmen leaves an immense legacy, writes El País:
“Without Maricarmen, there would have been neither protest camps nor tens of thousands of demonstrators. ... Without Maricarmen, the political class would not have suddenly started seeking answers and solutions, and the government would not have rushed to pass decrees preventing further evictions after eight years in power. ... Without Maricarmen, the elections would probably not have been brought forward to 29 November. And without her, it is hard to imagine that a general strike would have been called for 11 November. There was already a discontent spanning all generations and ideologies in this country, but it was this fragile and defenceless woman who set things in motion. Spain has changed over these last two weeks.”