Yesterday, pensioner Maricarmen was evicted from the rental property she had been living in for more than 70 years by investment fund Urbagestión . Madrid Tenants Union Sindicato de Inquilinas e Inquilinos de Madrid had previously staged demostrations to block the eviction but once Maricarmen was forcibly evicted and moved to hospital, a mass demostration took place in Calle General Martínez Campos, 35.
This property is now infamous in Madrid as Ayuso´s attic, purchased by the Regional Government of Ayuso for her as an ‘office’, highlighting the housing fortunes of the city and Spain´s murky relationship between alleged corruption and property deals.
Last night, protestors of Madrid Tenants Union Sindicato de Inquilinas e Inquilinos de Madrid were joined by thousands of members of the public in a march from the building to Rubén Darío, where a choactic chase with police ended with a sit in protest on Paseo de la Castellana.
Police were seemingly taken aback by the sheer number of protestors who had attended with calls for rapid reinforcements made in a bid to maintain order.
Hoy han echado a Maricarmen, pero en la calle ya late una nueva fuerza.
No vamos a parar hasta que sus áticos vuelvan al pueblo.
Esto no ha hecho más que empezar.
Súmate a la resistencia: https://t.co/VTozI6FRpC pic.twitter.com/CfoAsKzZYc
— Sindicato de Inquilinas e Inquilinos de Madrid (@InquilinatoMad) September 23, 2026
“We want a right for Maricarmen to be able to stay” – Lucas Vaquero
After the event , Met in Madrid was able to speak with Lucas Vaquero of Sindicato de Inquilinas e Inquilinos de Madrid on why the event was important. “We´ve come today because we are all deciding which model of city we want for the future. Ayuso and her government want a city made for corporate landlords and private investment funds” said Lucas.
Lucas was quick to dismiss the criticism that this was only an issue for students or the youngest. “You only had to see the section of people who were at the morning protest. This movement spans all ages and situations . So this is a massive outcry from a large slice of the population.”
Listen to the full interview below
