Leaders from Brazil and Spain to headline progressive meetings in Barcelona.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began a two-day visit to Spain on Friday, engaging in high-level discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and international leaders. The meetings center on strengthening democratic institutions, addressing the rise of far-right populism, and advancing progressive policies. Lula and Sánchez are key figures in combating populist movements within Latin America and Europe.

Objectives of the Visit

The leaders met at the former royal palace in Barcelona to sign agreements covering economic cooperation, social policies, and technological development. Their discussions will precede additional meetings with leaders from mid- and small-sized nations concerned about the erosion of democratic values and the global expansion of populist ideologies.

Democracy and Progressive Governance

Both Lula and Sánchez have publicly criticized the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump and his confrontational international approach. Despite this, they clarified that the meetings are not intended as an anti-Trump platform. In an interview, Lula emphasized that the summit's focus is on analyzing challenges to democracy and developing solutions to strengthen civic institutions. The gatherings will address extremism, political polarization, and misinformation, factors undermining democratic participation.

Defense of Democracy Meeting

The first event, the IV Meeting in Defense of Democracy, will take place on Saturday. Established in 2024 by Brazil and Spain, the meeting provides a forum for leaders to exchange strategies for countering extremism and political polarization. Attendees include European Council President António Costa, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and leaders from Uruguay, Lithuania, Ghana, and Albania. The event coincides with significant political shifts in Latin America and growing U.S. influence, highlighting the importance of regional and global collaboration on democratic governance.

Global Progressive Mobilization

Following the democracy-focused meeting, the inaugural Global Progressive Mobilization will convene left-leaning politicians and policymakers worldwide. Topics will include wage inequality, progressive election strategies, and social welfare systems. Lula and Sánchez will deliver keynote addresses to an expected audience of 3,000, including U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. The event emerged from discussions between Sánchez and former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven on creating a global platform for progressive collaboration. Participants will explore strategies to enhance electoral outcomes and tackle economic disparities internationally.

Challenges to Democratic Norms

Pol Morillas, director of the CIDOB think tank, noted that the gatherings aim to unify traditional democratic leaders in response to the global rise of far-right populism. Far-right groups have advanced anti-migration policies and economic nationalism through international forums, prompting progressive leaders to coordinate responses. The meetings also intersect with broader geopolitical debates, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's call at the Davos Economic Forum for middle powers to develop strategies amid the dominance of aggressive superpowers. Lula, Sánchez, and other attendees seek to assert the interests of smaller and mid-sized nations in global decision-making.

Additional Engagements by Sánchez

Prime Minister Sánchez maintains a demanding schedule, recently returning from his fourth visit to Beijing in over three years to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Spain has also taken measures regarding the Iran conflict, closing its airspace to U.S. military flights and denying access to joint military bases. Lula expressed solidarity with Pope Leo XIV after public criticism from Trump, reinforcing the leaders’ alignment with global peace initiatives and democratic principles.

Conclusion

The meetings in Barcelona represent a significant convergence of progressive leaders addressing the threats posed by far-right populism. Focusing on democracy, social justice, and international cooperation, Brazilian and Spanish leaders are creating a platform to uphold values of equality, peace, and democratic governance on a global scale.

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• Brazil's Lula and Sánchez of Spain headline meetings of progressive leaders in Barcelona