Spanish pensioner whose eviction sparked nationwide protests dies

An elderly woman whose eviction sparked nationwide protests over Spain's housing crisis and a political row that triggered early elections has died, according to Madrid's tenants union.

Maricarmen Abascal, 87, was forcibly removed on a stretcher from her apartment of more than 70 years on 23 September after she was unable to afford steep rent increases.

The company that owned the flat later offered to allow her to return at a lower rate - but she was unable to sign an agreement as she had been admitted to hospital.

Announcing her death, Madrid Tenants' Union said Abascal's situation marked "a turning point in the history of this country".

The 87-year-old and her eviction became a symbol for Spain's housing crisis. The Socialist-led government sought to respond to the protests but its bid to push through urgent housing measures failed, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to call snap elections.

"Speculation costs lives, and today rent profiteering has finished killing our colleague Maricarmen," said union spokeswoman Alicia del Río.

The 87-year-old was already in fragile health at the time of her eviction and she was admitted to Madrid's Gregorio Marañón Hospital, sending messages of support to protesters from her hospital bed.

When news of her death reached Puerta del Sol - the Madrid square where thousands have camped since her eviction to demand more affordable housing - there was a collective gasp, followed by a minute of silence.