Spanish Prime Minister Tries to Unite Left-Wing Forces into a Global Coalition Against Trump's MAGA
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez held an international conference in Barcelona that brought together leaders of left-wing forces from various countries around the world. The two-day event was seen as a kind of response to the conservative MAGA platform associated with US President Donald Trump, Euronews reports .
Pedro Sánchez — center. Photo: AP Photo/Joan Monfort
Politicians from Europe, Latin America, and Africa participated in the meeting. Among them was Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who sharply criticized "military leaders" and tech magnates, accusing them of undermining democracy and workers' rights, as well as harming nature.
Among other high-ranking guests were South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. All of them had previously clashed with Trump on issues of tariffs and migration. South Africa, moreover, faced accusations of "anti-white" racism.
European representation included German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, British Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Italian opposition leader Elly Schlein, and head of the Belgian Socialist Party Paul Magnette. French economist Gabriel Zucman, who advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy, was also present.
European Council President António Costa was also scheduled to attend the event but canceled his visit at the last moment, citing personal reasons.
During speeches at the conference, criticism of Trump's policies, including his trade and foreign policy moves, was repeatedly heard. Participants called for the consolidation of "progressive forces" to counter what they described as a "reactionary wave" in the world.
The host of the event, Pedro Sánchez, emphasized that the conference's goal was to unite left-wing and "progressive" movements internationally. His own active foreign policy stance has recently caused significant tension in relations with the United States, where Trump has already criticized the Spanish leader and threatened economic measures.
The event took place against the backdrop of a difficult situation for Sánchez himself domestically: his wife is involved in a corruption case, which they both deny and call politically motivated.