More than 20,000 people march towards Maricarmen's house in Madrid after her death: "They are not deaths, they are murders"

The march in memory of Maricarmen Abascal gathers 20,000 people in Madrid, according to the Government Delegation. The tribute departed this Thursday shortly after 8:00 PM from Puerta del Sol towards number 46 of Alcalde Sainz de Baranda street, in Retiro. The 87-year-old neighbor lived there for seven decades, who passed away this Wednesday at Gregorio Marañón hospital two weeks after being evicted.

The orange vests of the Tenants' Union lead the procession. Its members walk arm in arm, with a wreath of flowers and a photograph of Maricarmen celebrating the halt of one of the eviction attempts, with her arms raised. The image recalls one of the occasions when she was able to stay in the home from which she was finally expelled on September 23.

"We will continue fighting for you, your Union loves you," reads the white band accompanying the flowers. Behind them, people of different ages advance with candles, photographs, and farewell messages. The front of the march remains silent for much of the journey, while some attendees cry and others hold images of the woman whose defense of her home mobilized thousands of people.

The column has advanced along Alcalá street between moments of silence and slogans against evictions. "We don't tolerate one more eviction", "Vultures out of our neighborhoods" and "They are not deaths, they are murders" are some of the shouts heard among the participants. There are also banners with the message "Rentism kills", with which the demonstrators express their indignation at Maricarmen's loss of housing.

Upon reaching Cibeles, the march stopped in front of the Madrid City Council and observed a minute of silence. During the passage through the square, criticisms were also heard directed at the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and the mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. "Ayuso, Almeida, go to hell", some attendees chanted before continuing the route towards Retiro.

Among those walking is Natalia, a 32-year-old Madrid native who has been living in rented accommodation for some time. In statements to 'El País', she recalled Maricarmen as "a true example to follow" and said that, upon learning of her death, she felt more anger than sadness. This Thursday she wants to thank her for helping to awaken the housing mobilization. "It cannot happen again. We cannot allow it as a society", she demanded.

The house Maricarmen could not return to

Maricarmen was evicted on September 23, in the fourth attempt to execute her departure from the apartment. The image of the neighbor leaving the building on a stretcher, while hundreds of people tried to prevent the eviction, spread her case beyond Madrid. Since that day she remained admitted to the Gregorio Marañón hospital.

The home had been rented by her family in 1956 with an old rent contract. Her wish was to remain until the end in the house where she had spent almost her entire life. For years, the Tenants' Union accompanied her in the conflict to preserve it and in the mobilizations called before successive eviction attempts.

Social pressure later achieved an agreement with Urbagestión, the owner company, for her to return. The union's spokeswoman, Valeria Racu, explained this Thursday that Maricarmen was going to sign the contract that would allow her to return to her home. She passed away before completing that return.

Racu recalled that the neighbor knew what was happening in the streets and had experienced the agreement as an achievement of the mobilization. "She experienced it as a huge victory and left peacefully, knowing that you can win," he said. The union maintains this Thursday's call under the slogan "Farewell, Maricarmen" and recovers the message with which she encouraged others to defend their homes. "Fight for what is yours."

The homage began last night, when her death was announced. The Sol encampment was filled with candles, flowers, and messages of remembrance, and some of its participants moved to the vicinity of the Congress. This Thursday, farewell events continue in different cities, including Oviedo and Seville, while Madrid walks the path from the square to Maricarmen's old home.

At number 46 Sainz de Baranda, people approaching the entrance continue to place candles, flowers, and drawings in her memory. The homage occupies the sidewalk of the building from which she was carried out on a stretcher two weeks ago. The march called by the Tenants' Union is expected to conclude there.

This breaking news is being updated. The editorial team of ElConstitucional.es is working to expand the news and offer you the best information.