Spanish PM Sánchez, Brazilian President Lula Attend 'Defend Democracy' Conference

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a 'Defend Democracy' conference in Barcelona, Spain, on the 18th (local time).

The meeting was convened to counter the international trends that threaten democracy, bringing together left-wing leaders from around the world opposed to specific political ideologies to discuss ways to protect democratic values.

Attendees focused on how to respond to international movements that promote hate speech, sexism, war, and social division.

The conference was attended by key left-wing leaders including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

Participants emphasized the slogan 'anti-war' and criticized permanent members of the UN Security Council for acting like 'warlords' rather than guardians of peace. Additionally, policies from the Donald Trump administration and nationalistic approaches were indirectly criticized at the meeting.