During a recent two-day visit to Spain, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva articulated his understanding of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s anti-war sentiments, stating, “I understand you when you say no to war.” This remark came at the outset of their discussions at the In Defence of Democracy summit, scheduled for the weekend.
Lula recalled the significant impact of Spain’s Civil War in the 1930s, emphasizing the ongoing conflicts around the world. He noted, “We are witnessing, astonished, a new arms race: women and children are dying, AI is replacing ethics; that is why I completely understand when you say no to war.”
Strengthening Ties Amid Global Tensions
As leaders of progressive politics in their respective regions, Lula and Sánchez convened at a historic palace in Barcelona, aiming to sign agreements related to economic initiatives, technological advancements, and social policies. Their meeting precedes a series of discussions with other leaders aimed at addressing challenges to democracy and the rise of populism.
The summit, known as the IV Meeting in Defence of Democracy, was initiated by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to foster dialogue against the forces of extremism, polarization, and misinformation that threaten participatory democracy. Lula emphasized that the summit should not be perceived as an anti-Trump event, stating, “We are going to discuss the state of democracy, to see what went wrong and what we have to do to repair it.”
Progressive Mobilisation and Global Collaboration
Notably, Sánchez’s government has taken a firm stance by closing its airspace to U.S. aircraft involved in the Iran conflict and limiting U.S. military operations in Spain. Earlier in the week, Lula expressed solidarity with Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff faced criticism from Trump for condemning the war.
The summit will feature prominent leaders, including European Council President António Costa, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, among others. Sheinbaum’s presence is particularly significant as she represents a strong leftist voice in Latin America amidst shifting political dynamics.
Following the initial summit, leaders will participate in the inaugural Global Progressive Mobilisation, which aims to bring together leftist politicians and policymakers. This event, expected to attract around 3,000 attendees, will include discussions on critical issues such as wage inequality and strategies for enhancing electoral success for progressive movements.
As Sánchez continues to navigate complex international relationships, including a recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the dialogues at these summits are poised to have a lasting impact on the political landscape in both Europe and Latin America.