Franciscan order owning several Madrid flats evicts elderly resident amid protests
Franciscan Order Evicts Madrid Elderly Amid Protests
Franciscan order owning several Madrid flats – On May 9, 2026, the Franciscan order owning several Madrid flats evicted a 67-year-old pensioner from his home in the Embajadores district, sparking widespread public backlash. This was the fifth time the Venerable Third Order of Saint Francis of Assisi (VOT) attempted to remove a resident, but this eviction proceeded without resistance, despite growing protests. The action, carried out with a visible police presence including eight vans and four patrol cars, highlighted tensions between the order’s commercial housing strategy and its spiritual mission of simplicity and poverty. The Madrid Tenants’ Union condemned the move, calling attention to the systemic neglect faced by vulnerable residents in the city’s central neighborhoods.
Rising Costs and Eviction Crisis
Mariano Ordaz, who had lived in his apartment for over 30 years, now faces uncertainty after the Franciscan order owning several Madrid flats demanded a 800-euro monthly rent and 15,000 euros in arrears. His eviction was the result of soaring rental prices and financial strain, exacerbated by job losses during the pandemic. Though Madrid has seen economic recovery, Ordaz’s income could not match the steep increases, forcing him to make tough choices between essentials like utilities and housing. The order’s decision to evict him, despite his long-term residency, underscores the growing challenges for low-income tenants in the city’s prime areas.
“This eviction isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a symptom of a system that prioritizes profit over people,” stated Carolina Vilariño, a representative of the Madrid Tenants’ Union. “The Franciscan order owning several Madrid flats is using its influence to displace seniors, leaving them without stable shelter.”
The VOT, which manages over 300 flats in central Madrid, has been under scrutiny for its financial practices. While its members emphasize frugal living and simplicity, critics argue the order treats housing as a revenue stream rather than a social good. Many residents initially chose VOT properties for their lower rents, only to be caught in a cycle of rising costs and costly repairs. Communal areas in these buildings, often plagued by leaks, rust, and broken windows, have drawn complaints from tenants who feel neglected by their religious landlords.
Systemic Pressures and Policy Failures
The eviction occurred amid a 44-month surge in rental prices, which have climbed 33% nationwide since March 2022. In Madrid’s central districts, the increase has been even sharper, with rents rising by 21% within a single year. Prices in the area rarely fall below 2,000 euros per month, making it hard for lower-income families to find affordable housing. The Madrid Tenants’ Union linked these trends to the collapse of an anti-eviction moratorium in Congress on February 26, 2026, which was opposed by right-wing parties. Without legal protections, vulnerable residents like Ordaz are increasingly at risk of displacement.
Analysts note that the Franciscan order owning several Madrid flats has leveraged its position to raise rents to unsustainable levels. By controlling hundreds of units in the city center, the order exerts significant influence over housing markets, often at the expense of long-term tenants. While it operates healthcare facilities such as the VOT San Francisco de Asís Hospital, its financial approach has raised concerns about balancing religious ideals with economic interests. The case of Mariano Ordaz has become a symbol of a broader issue, with local groups describing the situation as a reflection of a failing housing system.
Community Mobilization and Calls for Action
Following the eviction, the Madrid Tenants’ Union organized a protest under the slogan “Housing is costing us our lives. Let’s bring prices down.” The rally, scheduled for May 24, will begin at Atocha station at noon, drawing attention to the crisis of affordability. Participants aim to pressure government agencies, including the Government Delegation, the Housing Minister, and Madrid City Council, for accountability. The union also criticizes the Community of Madrid for its complicity in allowing rent hikes and evictions to proceed unchecked.
The Franciscan order owning several Madrid flats has faced mounting criticism for its handling of properties. While the order claims to uphold poverty and simplicity, tenants argue that its commercial operations contradict these principles. The eviction of Ordaz has intensified calls for reform, with advocates urging stronger tenant protections and more transparent rental policies. As the housing market continues to tighten, the case of the elderly man has become a rallying point for those fighting to preserve affordable living in Madrid’s core neighborhoods.
