After Mari Carmen, an 87 year old woman, was murdered by a vulture fund that evicted her from her apartment of more than 70 years, the working class in the Spanish state decided enough is enough. The Madrid Tenants Union setup an encampment at Puerta del Sol demanding solutions to the housing crisis and Mari Carmen’s return to her apartment. They were able to win her return but the housing legislation failed and the Spanish government called for new elections for November 29. Unfortunately Mari Carmen died in the hospital before she could return to her home. In response, the encampment called for a general strike on November 11 and several labor unions (both radical ones and establishment ones) have signed on to participate. Encampments have spread across the territory and within Madrid itself. You can get a thorough overview of the situation here.

On November 11, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tenant Councils of San Diego will be hosting a vigil for Mari Carmen and other tenants whose landlords have committed literal or social murder through exploitation and displacement. Speakers will include tenants from the diverse communities impacted by landlord violence in San Diego County. They will focus on naming and shaming the perpetrators of this violence in our County, as well as providing space to mourn our lost neighbors. All tenants (including unhoused folks!), tenant associations, tenant councils, and tenant unions in San Diego County are invited, as are allied labor unions! Wear red or yellow, bring LED candles or battery-powered lights, and bring signs. Sign suggestions include signs (1) naming and blaming landlords/developers for violence in our communities; (2) mourning and celebrating Mari Carmen & other tenant martyrs; and (3) calling for an end to rent hikes, forced eviction, and housing for profit. If you have any questions or want to inquire about ways to assist with the event, please contact tenantcouncilssandiego@gmail.com.