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By Maria Tadeo from Barcelona
Published on •Updated
Pedro Sánchez rallied global leaders in Barcelona this weekend at a two-day convention billed as the “progressive CPAC”, crowning himself leader of the international left while grappling with mounting challenges at home.
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The Spanish leader warned of an international “reactionary wave” fuelling hate speech, sexism, war and division, without explicitly naming US President Donald Trump.
“It doesn’t matter how much they scream, or how many lies they spread,” Sánchez said in a speech on Saturday. “The time for the reactionary, ultra-right has come to an end.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva echoed the remarks, criticising those “who call themselves patriots but put their sovereignty up for sale and call for sanctions”.
Chants of “No to war” could be heard at the Fira auditorium in Barcelona.
The guest list included South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. All three have clashed with US President Donald Trump over tariffs and migration, while South Africa has also faced allegations of “anti-white” racism — claims echoed by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
A European delegation included German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Italy’s opposition leader Elly Schlein, and Belgian politician Paul Magnette. Tax-the-rich economist Gabriel Zucman was also in attendance.
European Council President António Costa cancelled at the last minute, citing personal reasons, and skipped a gathering perhaps considered too political for his role.
Mexico’s Sheinbaum participated in an event about protecting democracies but did not join the more political rally on Saturday. A US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is under review by the Trump administration and delicate talks about terms are ongoing.
Progressive CPAC to counter global MAGA
Sánchez said the Barcelona conference — unofficially billed as a left-wing answer to the conservative gathering CPAC — would serve to unite “progressive forces” under a single banner. A source involved in the preparations told Euronews that Brazil had asked Spain to move the event earlier to spring, with April ultimately chosen as the date.
While none of the leaders mentioned US President Donald Trump by name, references to the American leader surfaced repeatedly, alongside criticism of his policies. From tariffs to the war in Iran, officials called for a progressive response to “a reactionary wave.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who ran alongside Hillary Clinton in her failed presidential bid against Donald Trump, addressed a large crowd on Saturday during the inaugural Global Progressive Mobilisation, describing Trump as “trigger-happy” with no actual plan.
Walz denounced a seemingly authoritative drift under the Trump, suggesting “we need to call that what it is. That’s fascism. Or at least it’s fascist curious as they would be.”
Brazil’s president Lula joined in the criticism of the war in Iran, and greeted Spain’s decision to deny access to US forces to use Spanish military bases to strike Iran.
“I want to salute friend, Pedro Sánchez, for having the courage (to say no),” Lula added.
A difficult week for Sánchez at home
By often taking an independent stance – from Gaza to the war in Iran – the Spanish prime minister has captured a global audience, leading a bloc of left-wing leaders.
Euronews first reported about plans to organise a convention for socialist parties and the international left in March.
Euronews also reported that Sánchez sought to capitalise on public discontent over the war in Iran and the unpopularity of Trump to boost his international profile.
His stance has earned him applause, but also criticism from the White House.
Trump has repeatedly said he “wants nothing to do with Spain” and has criticised Sánchez as a bad leader who is “not paying” his fair share for NATO protection. He also threatened to impose a full trade blockade, although no measures have been announced.
The convention wraps a difficult week for the Spanish prime minister after his wife, Begoña Gómez, was charged with corruption and is set to face trial following a two-year investigation. The couple have denied any wrongdoing.
Sources close to Sánchez speaking to Euronews describe the case as politically motivated and expect Gómez to be acquitted.
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