BARCELONA — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made a bold promise on Saturday to “twist the arm” of far-right movements that threaten to dismantle the international order. His remarks were delivered during the Global Progressive Mobilization conference in Barcelona, which aimed to unite left-leaning global leaders and activists in a concerted effort against rising right-wing forces.
Uniting against global challenges
During his address, Sánchez framed the summit as a vital international response to what he termed a concerted, globalized far-right movement. He specifically criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, attributing them to a significant deterioration of multilateral institutions that progressive factions must actively combat.
“We will twist the arm of the people who think they are completely untouchable,” Sánchez declared. “The billionaires with greed that is unlimited. Those who speculate with houses of people,” he emphasized.
Sánchez also identified oligarchs who exploit democracy for personal gain and negatively impact the mental health of young people as significant threats. He reiterated, “When we progressives reach government, it is not to serve the elites — we put them in their place.”
Strength in numbers
He went on to assert that while the far right is attempting to organize on an international scale, their actual strength is overstated. “They shout not because they are winning but because they know their time is about to be over,” Sánchez remarked, indicating a sense of optimism among progressive forces.
The event attracted approximately 6,000 attendees, including elected officials, policy analysts, and activists dedicated to progressive causes. The gathering is set to conclude with a collaborative declaration that will outline coordinated efforts on key issues such as inequality, climate change, and digital regulation.
High-profile attendees included Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, highlighting the international scope and significance of the summit.