Protesters camped in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square entered a third day of demonstrations on Monday, September 28, demanding stronger tenant protections amid Spain's housing shortage.

The protests erupted after police evicted 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen, from her Madrid apartment on September 23. She had lived there for over seven decades under a contract dating to 1956. An investment fund that purchased the property raised the rent sharply, leading to the court-ordered eviction. Abascal, who has a disability, was removed on a stretcher.

On Saturday, an estimated 25,000 people marched through the capital according to government figures, though organizers claimed far higher turnout. Demonstrators shook keys and carried banners calling for an end to evictions without alternative housing and limits on rent increases. Hundreds pitched tents in the square, with the encampment growing to around 150 tents by Sunday and continuing Monday.

Spain faces a significant housing deficit, with the Bank of Spain estimating a shortage of roughly 550,000 homes. Public subsidized rentals make up less than 2 percent of stock, below the EU average. Rental prices in Madrid have risen sharply in recent years, compounded by population pressures from tourism and immigration alongside regulatory hurdles that slow new construction.

Spain's Socialist-led central government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the eviction and pledged a housing decree for Tuesday's cabinet meeting. The measure is expected to include automatic contract renewals and eviction restrictions. Sánchez addressed the issue at a party rally, vowing action and urging parliamentary support.

The center-right regional government in Madrid has faced criticism for not intervening more directly, highlighting tensions between national and local authorities. Protesters, including the Madrid Tenants' Union, have called for indefinite rental contracts and broader reforms.

The demonstrations echo past movements but occur ahead of general elections scheduled for next year. Officials reported clashes during initial eviction attempts, though the ongoing camp has remained largely peaceful with organized activities like workshops.

Housing costs have outpaced wage growth in major cities, leaving many households strained despite overall economic expansion. The case has drawn attention to the balance between property rights, investor activity, and tenant security in a tight market.