Maricarmen, 87 years old, on the verge of eviction after 71 years in a house whose rent skyrockets from 500 to 2,650 euros

Maricarmen is 87 years old and has lived in the same address in Madrid for 71 years. During all this time, she has paid 500 euros per month for the dwelling, an amount that the property now intends to raise to 2,650 euros. The lack of agreement between both parties has resulted in an eviction scheduled for this Wednesday.

From early morning, agents of the National Police have cordoned off the area and begun to remove the tents installed overnight in front of the building on Alcalde Sáinz de Baranda street. The Madrid Tenants' Union had organized the encampment to try to prevent the eviction, initially scheduled for 7:30 AM.

After the police intervention, dozens of people remained around the property chanting slogans against the eviction. According to the union, the judicial commission in charge of executing the eviction is expected to arrive starting at 9:30 AM.

The mobilization has received political and cultural support. Among those who came this morning are Podemos MEP Irene Montero and Sumar MP Enrique Santiago. During the night, communicator Inés Hernand and singer and actress Ana Belén also participated in the concentration.

Maricarmen herself spoke to the gathered crowd and recalled that she has lived in that dwelling for more than seven decades. “They want to kick me out for the fucking money. I have lived here for 71 years. I don't want to leave. These people will do anything for money,” she stated. The woman has a recognized 50% disability and used her speech to thank the support received and encourage other people with housing problems to organize.

The case has also led a writer, who has decided to remain anonymous, to offer to cover part of the rent increase. After learning about the situation, she contacted the Tenants' Union to try to open a negotiation with the lawyer of Urbagestión Desarrollo e Inversión S. L., the company that owns the property.

The proposal is for Maricarmen to continue paying the 500 euros per month she currently pays and for the writer to cover the remaining 2,150 euros to reach the 2,650 euros claimed by the property. However, according to the Tenants' Union, the final word now rests with the real estate fund Urbagestión, which so far has refused to reach an agreement with the tenant.