The Superior Court of Madrid rejects Ayuso's request to evict the camp of Sol

The Madrid Regional Court has rejected the request by President Isabel Díaz Ayuso’s government to evict the encampment at Plaza de Sol in favor of housing solutions. The court denied the administrative appeal filed by the regional executive, which sought immediate removal of the protesters occupying the square, located near the regional government headquarters. The ruling came after the regional government had requested emergency measures to clear the encampment, which began on September 26 following the eviction of Maricarmen, an elderly woman who had lived in her home for decades. The court acknowledged the urgency of the situation but emphasized the need to hear the views of the national administration before making a decision. It set a deadline for October 7 for the Public Prosecutor and the State Attorney General to submit their arguments. Ayuso announced plans to file a contentious administrative lawsuit to force the eviction, but the court ruled that such measures require prior consultation with the national government. The judges noted potential violations of the right to assembly and warned against irreversible consequences for the protesters if forced removal occurs. The court also highlighted the risk of police intervention, which could lead to the use of force if the protesters refuse to leave. The encampment, led by the Tenant Union, initially set up tents in Madrid's "zero kilometer" area. The protests emerged after Maricarmen was evicted from her home on Avenida Alcalde Sainz de Baranda, owned by Urbagestión since 2018. Following the eviction, she reached an agreement through Madrid City Hall to return to her home. The rejection does not end the legal process, though it delays further action. The court will proceed with a new phase involving emergency measures, considering input from the prosecutor and the national government delegation. The regional government has expressed its stance, while the national government has yet to respond publicly.