Madrid Police Fire Tear Gas as 87-Year-Old Disabled Woman Is Evicted from Home of 71 Years

MADRID — Madrid police fired tear gas and carried out baton charges against hundreds of demonstrators trying to prevent the eviction of an 87-year-old disabled woman from her apartment in the Retiro District on Wednesday (23/9/2026). Maricarmen, who is about to turn 88, was ultimately evicted after four postponement attempts failed, sparking public anger over what is seen as inhumane landlord practices.

Since Tuesday night, a crowd made up of tenant union activists from Madrid and Barcelona, artists, and local residents had surrounded the building where Maricarmen has lived for 71 years. Actor Carlos Bardem and singer Ana Belén were also present to show support. Inside the building, some demonstrators occupied the stairs leading to Maricarmen's flat, while neighbors provided snacks and lent their bathrooms. But police still cleared the way for the judicial committee to execute the eviction order on Wednesday morning.

Behind the locked door, cries of "Ático Ayuso for Maricarmen" echoed, referring to the scandal over the €6.3 million purchase of a luxury apartment by Madrid Regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso using public funds for a temporary office. The solidarity action showed broader anger at housing policies seen as benefiting a select few.

The case began when a developer bought the building that had been Maricarmen's home since 1956. The original contract was in her father's name, then passed to her mother, and after her mother died in 2008, Maricarmen became the tenant. Spain's Supreme Court ruled that the sublet was invalid and the contract no longer applied, handing a victory to Urbagestión SL. The company did not respond to media requests for comment.

"Maricarmen's case is just one example of what happens when housing is handed over to landlords. The difference is that many people have become aware of the situation and the tenant unions are showing that we can fight this kind of brutal behavior," said Aldo Reverte, spokesperson for the Confederation of Tenant Unions.

Maricarmen's lawyer, Beatriz Duro, said the owner was unwilling to negotiate or accept any offer. "We have asked for a place to put Maricarmen's personal belongings," she added. Before the eviction, Maricarmen recorded an emotional video message. With a trembling voice, she thanked her supporters and pleaded for the action to remain peaceful. "I can still hear your voices. A hug for everyone who supported me in this cruel fight against someone who wants to make money, but don't forget that they have parents too and one day could be in my position," she said.

Spain's housing crisis is worsening with soaring property and rental prices in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. The central government has announced various policies to cap rent increases, but implementation is often hampered by regional autonomy and resistance from property owners' associations. Maricarmen's case has become a symbol of resistance against gentrification that drives elderly residents out of their neighborhoods.

Indonesian Context

Although it took place in Spain, this case resonates with the housing situation in Indonesia. Rapid urbanization in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other major cities has pushed residents out of strategic areas for commercial development. Although the legal frameworks differ, a similar pattern emerges: landowners or developers raise rents or evict long-time occupants under the pretext of legality. In Indonesia, tenant protections remain weak, and subsidized housing programs often fail to reach vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Maricarmen's story can serve as a mirror of how important social safety nets and regulations that favor residents are, rather than mere property growth.

Going forward, growing public pressure is expected to force the Spanish government to review eviction regulations, especially for vulnerable groups. But without structural reform, Maricarmen's fate could be repeated for thousands of others. Will the cross-class solidarity shown in this case be able to drive policy change, or will it be just a momentary outburst of emotion before sinking back into an unchecked property business?