Leftist leaders gather in Barcelona to counter rise of far-right

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are set to lead a series of meetings of left-leaning political figures in Barcelona on April 17-18, according to Reuters.

The events aim to promote multilateral cooperation and mobilise progressive movements amid what organisers describe as the growing influence of far-right political forces in Europe and beyond.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of policies associated with US President Donald Trump, including reductions in humanitarian aid and a reassessment of international alliances.

The gathering also follows gains by right-wing parties in the 2024 European elections. Under the framework of a “Global Progressive Mobilisation,” participants are expected to coordinate joint strategies ranging from the defence of democratic institutions to the promotion of the green transition.

A second-day summit titled “In Defence of Democracy” will continue the initiative launched by Sánchez and Lula in 2024.

Among expected participants are South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Organisers expect around 3,000 attendees, including politicians, mayors, trade unions, and activists.

Sánchez said that “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.”

By Vugar Khalilov