The Tenant Union delivers a letter to the Pope asking him to curb evictions from the Church

The United Nations has called for the suspension of the eviction of Maricarmen, an elderly woman facing displacement from her home after decades of living there. However, this request does not guarantee she will be able to remain in her house. Her case has become emblematic of Spain's current housing crisis, drawing widespread attention due to its emotional weight and the broader implications for vulnerable populations. Maricarmen, who is 87 years old, lives on a modest pension and has been unable to afford the increased rent demanded by an investment group that purchased her property. She has spent seven decades in the same house, but now faces the prospect of being forced to move as the housing market remains highly inflated. With no other viable options, she would have to seek alternative accommodation, possibly in a nursing home. Despite exhausting all legal avenues, she found herself turning to international bodies for assistance, highlighting systemic issues within Spain’s legal framework regarding housing rights.

Her legal team, led by Beatriz Duro, explained that the United Nations' Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) issued a notice to the court requesting the suspension of the eviction to prevent irreversible harm while the process continues. This notice was received 15 days before the scheduled third attempt to evict Maricarmen. While this marks a significant step forward, the resolution from the CESCR is not binding and leaves room for interpretation by local courts. Alejandra Jacinto, an attorney from the Center for Advisory and Social Studies (CAES), noted that such decisions often hinge on how each court interprets the mandates issued by international organizations. The measures requested include temporary protections aimed at either halting the eviction or implementing alternative solutions, with a six-month deadline for providing updates on the proposed course of action.

Despite the involvement of an international body, there is no certainty that the eviction process will halt. Jacinto emphasized that although Spain has ratified international treaties upheld by the UN, compliance varies among courts. Some judges may choose to disregard these mandates, leading to inconsistent application of international law domestically. Nevertheless, the legal defense argues that even if the eviction proceeds, the court must justify its decision based on the CESCR’s recommendations. This underscores the complex interplay between international human rights standards and national judicial practices.

Maricarmen’s struggle began eight years ago when her family sold their building to Renta Corporation, one of Spain’s major real estate holding companies. Although the company offered her the option to stay under a preferential purchase right, the price was too high given her pension income. In 2020, Urbagestión acquired her home, invalidated her existing rental agreement, and initiated the eviction process by demanding a higher rent she could not afford. This set off a chain of legal battles, culminating in the recent appeal to the UN. The situation highlights the challenges faced by long-term tenants in an increasingly speculative housing market where economic pressures often override humanitarian considerations.

In parallel, another case involving the Church has drawn attention. A letter delivered to Pope Francis by the Tenants Union criticized the eviction of Mariano Ordaz, a 67-year-old man from Madrid whose home belonged to a Catholic order. The letter accused the Venerable Order of Saint Francis of Asís of engaging in speculative behavior by raising rents and ultimately evicting Mariano despite owning over 300 properties donated by faithful followers. After four delayed evictions due to community pressure, Mariano was finally removed from his home, which had deteriorated due to moisture and other issues. He now resides in a hostel after the order refused to negotiate a solution, citing financial obligations tied to the pandemic-induced loss of his job as a waiter.

The Tenants Union also highlighted the actions of the Fundación Fusara, managed by the Archdiocese of Madrid, which refuses to renew contracts for hundreds of families living in 13 buildings owned by the church. These properties are reportedly being sold to investment funds, further exacerbating the housing crisis. The union expressed confusion over the Church’s role in such speculative activities, questioning whether religious institutions should prioritize economic interests over the welfare of the vulnerable. They urged the Pope to intervene during his visit to Spain, seeking public dialogue about the plight of individuals like Mariano and Maricarmen, both of whom face imminent eviction.

The letter to the Pope also referenced the broader impact of housing policies on marginalized communities, including migrants who have been displaced and currently reside in emergency shelters. It condemned the trend of increasing housing costs forcing families to allocate larger portions of their incomes toward rent, leaving them in precarious situations where basic needs like food for children might be compromised. The Tenants Union emphasized the growing problem of overcrowding and inadequate housing conditions in Madrid and across Spain, underscoring the urgent need for policy reforms to address these systemic issues.

As the cases of Maricarmen and Mariano unfold, they reflect deeper societal tensions surrounding housing rights, economic inequality, and the role of both private entities and religious institutions in shaping urban landscapes. Their stories highlight the personal toll of systemic failures and the ongoing struggle for dignity and stability in an environment where housing security remains elusive for many.