Madrid Government’s Luxury Attic Sparks Protest Over 87-Year-Old’s Eviction

The Tenants Union has called for a protest this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Madrid. The group chose the location specifically to stand outside a luxury attic purchased by the regional government. This protest follows the eviction of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman. The eviction took place despite a large police presence and significant pressure from neighbors. Hundreds of activists had blocked the judicial commission to try to stop the expulsion, but they were unsuccessful. "Change starts today," the Tenants Union wrote on social media. A spokesperson for the union criticized the regional government, led by President Isabel Díaz Ayuso. "We live in a region governed by and for vulture funds and speculation," the spokesperson said. The union accuses the government of passing laws that allow investors to profit from housing while destroying residents' lives. The union placed specific responsibility on President Ayuso for the eviction. They noted that while Maricarmen loses her home, the government bought a luxury attic with public money. "Ayuso's attic is for Maricarmen," the union stated. "Public money is for the right to housing, for everyone." The protest aims to express rejection of the eviction. The union invites those who believe housing rights are more important than profit and government corruption to attend. The luxury attic has been a focal point for protests, including a recent attempt to stop the eviction under the slogan: "Attic for Ayuso, eviction for Maricarmen."