The legislation follows mass protests in Madrid and Barcelona sparked by the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old pensioner carried from her home of 70 years on a stretcher. Abascal, whose rent was hiked from €500 to €1,650 despite a €1,350 pension, has since reached a deal with the developers to return to her home without the 275% rent increase. Despite this resolution, protesters continue to camp in central Madrid, including Puerta del Sol, to demand permanent tenant protections.
