Catalan president calls for 'strong response' on housing after Maricarmen's death

Catalan president Salvador Illa said Maricarmen's death "cannot leave anyone indifferent" and a "strong response" is needed on housing.

Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman who was evicted from her Madrid home on September 23, became a symbol of the housing crisis and her case sparked protests across Spain. She died on Wednesday.

Illa said the issue of housing was being addressed through "realistic policies, not magic solutions," and warned that the crisis "will not be resolved next week."

The president made the comments after receiving a delegation of Mexican business leaders at Barcelona's Palau de Pedralbes during an event organised by BBVA aimed at promoting new investment opportunities.