Progressive leaders from around the world are converging in Barcelona this weekend for two major conferences designed to strengthen left-wing movements and counter the rising influence of far-right politics globally.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are leading the charge in organizing these gatherings, which come as international relations face disruption from recent policy changes including cuts to humanitarian assistance and military interventions.
The first event, dubbed the “Global Progressive Mobilisation,” kicks off Friday and was conceived as a response to the significant gains made by far-right parties in the 2024 European Union elections. Organizers say the goal is to rally supporters of progressive policies and produce a joint statement outlining shared objectives, from protecting democratic institutions to advancing environmental initiatives.
Saturday’s conference, titled “In defence of democracy,” represents the fourth such summit initiated by Sanchez and Lula in 2024 and is being hosted by the Spanish government.
Both Spanish and Brazilian leaders have been outspoken opponents of recent U.S. policy shifts and are confronting growing far-right opposition in their own countries’ upcoming electoral contests.
The weekend events will also feature South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose attendance marks the first visit by a Mexican head of state to Spain since 2018, following years of diplomatic strain over historical colonial issues.
Speaking from Beijing during a diplomatic visit to China, Sanchez emphasized the importance of the Barcelona meetings. “I think it’s important that progressive parties and governments unite to convey to the public, especially in Spain, that we belong to something that goes beyond domestic politics,” he said.
The Spanish leader has pointed to recent electoral developments as evidence that far-right momentum can be halted, particularly referencing Hungary’s recent election results that saw nationalist leader Viktor Orban face defeat. “The wave can be stopped, and Hungary proves it,” Sanchez declared.
The larger of the two gatherings is expected to draw approximately 3,000 participants over two days, including current and former world leaders, roughly 400 mayors, labor union representatives, activists, and political party officials. Spain’s Socialist Party is hosting the event, with Sanchez and Lula scheduled to deliver closing remarks.
Giacomo Filibeck, who serves as Secretary-General of the Party of European Socialists representing 33 political parties across the continent, explained the urgency behind the initiative. “Radical forces are at play in our countries to sponsor extreme right-wing movements … we have to show there is an alternative,” he stated.
