Latin American leaders unite to combat far-right threats to democracy

In Chile on July 22, 2025, a summit dubbed 'Democracy Forever' convened with leftist leaders from Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, and Spain. Their gathering focused on the significant threats facing democracies worldwide, beyond military actions, including disinformation and the concentration of power. The leaders pledged to form a cohesive, progressive front to counter these challenges and emphasized the need for stronger multilateral cooperation, particularly in light of the expected implementation of new tariffs by the Trump administration. Participants, including Presidents Gabriel Boric of Chile, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Gustavo Petro of Colombia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, condemned the rise of the far-right movements they believe undermine democracy through subtle means and rhetoric. Lula criticized U.S. policies, declaring that they sow hatred and promote a cultural war, while Boric invited representatives from Mexico and Canada to join future discussions on strengthening democracy. The summit concluded with a joint statement outlining initiatives to defend democracy, social justice, and human rights, pledging support for climate change measures through the United Nations and UNESCO. This collaborative effort signifies a broader goal of fostering an integrated and autonomous Latin America, committed to self-determination and progressive values. In a climate marked by geopolitical tension and an increasingly polarized global landscape, progressive leaders are advocating for a collective response to the challenges posed by right-wing extremism. They seek not just to respond to the immediate crisis but to reclaim and reinforce their ideological positions through active engagement and unity across national boundaries.