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 rent increases.

The company that owned the flat later offered to allow her to return at a lower rent rate – but she wasn’t able to sign an agreement as she had been admitted to hospital.

“We regret to announce that Maricarmen passed away today,” the Madrid Tenants’ Union said in a statement, adding that her situation marked “a turning point in the history of this country”.

Abascal became a symbol for Spain’s housing crisis following her eviction.

A legal glitch allowed her landlord to raise her rent from €500 (£428; $572) to €2,650. It was later lowered to €1,650 – still €300 more than her monthly pension.

Anger grew over the situation, leading to protests.

This put pressure on the coalition government to approve emergency housing legislation – but it was later rejected in Congress.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across the country over the weekend following the rejection of the proposed measures.

Referring to the rejected bills, the Madrid Tenants’ Union said: “While a historic agreement was reached that would have allowed her to return to her home, this solution has come too late. An absolutely avoidable situation after a torturing process.”

It said the events surrounding her eviction represented a turning point in the country’s history, but added that the cost to get to this point had been “too high”.

It added: “Above all, we will fulfil what she always asked of us: ‘fight, keep fighting for what is yours.'”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said: “All my love goes to Maricarmen’s family and loved ones.
“A hug as well to everyone who today feels this loss as their own.”

Following the announcement of Abascal’s death, protesters gathered at one of Madrid’s main squares, Puerta del Sol, which has become a protest encampment for many days.

By BBC News