Sanchez, Lula Convene Global Progressive Summit in Barcelona to Counter Far-Right Surge
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are co-chairing a high-level gathering of left-leaning leaders in Barcelona on Saturday, aiming to reinforce democratic institutions and respond to the growing influence of far-right movements worldwide.
The meeting, titled the “Meeting in Defence of Democracy,” brings together political figures from Europe, Africa and Latin America at a time of increasing global political polarisation. Attendees include South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Organisers say the summit is focused on strengthening democratic systems rather than targeting specific leaders, despite criticism from both Pedro Sanchez and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of U.S. President Donald Trump and his policies.
In remarks ahead of the event, Lula stressed that the gathering is not intended as an anti-Trump platform but as an opportunity to explore ways to safeguard democratic processes globally. He warned of the risks of democratic backsliding, saying history has shown how such declines can lead to authoritarianism.
Sanchez echoed the call for unity, expressing hope that the meeting would serve as a foundation for stronger cooperation among progressive forces worldwide.
The Barcelona summit coincides with a separate meeting of far-right European leaders in Milan, underscoring the deep ideological divisions shaping current global politics. It also follows the recent electoral defeat of Hungarian nationalist leader Viktor Orban, a result seen by many progressives as evidence that entrenched populist movements can be challenged through democratic means.
Launched jointly by Spain and Brazil in 2024, the initiative has previously held sessions at the United Nations and in Chile. This year’s event also hosts the inaugural “Global Progressive Mobilisation,” expected to draw around 3,000 participants, including current and former heads of state, mayors, union leaders and policy experts from more than 40 countries.
Discussions are set to focus on key issues such as economic inequality, climate transition policies and strategies for improving electoral outcomes for progressive parties.
In power since 2018, Pedro Sanchez has emerged as a prominent voice among Europe’s left, positioning himself as a defender of progressive values at a time when right-wing politics are gaining ground across the continent.
