Leftist leaders from around the globe met in Barcelona on Saturday to show their determination to "protect democracy", as the challenge of far-right politics grows in many countries.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of the biggest critics of the United States and Israel's bombing campaigns in the Middle East, told attendees at the opening that "democracy cannot be taken for granted" before ending the day with his slogan "no to war".

He was joined by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said she would put forward a motion against military intervention in Cuba, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Sanchez called for reform of the United Nations a day after he had urged a reshaped multilateral order to challenge "those who consider it dead or work to undermine its foundations".

The event follows the defeat of Hungarian nationalist leader Viktor Orban in a general election on Sunday, seen as a setback for Europe's far-right parties that had looked to him as a model.

The Barcelona event was launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 after far-right parties made significant gains in European Parliament elections.

The first two editions of the event were held at the United Nations and the previous one was held in Chile last year. (AFP)


Edited by Tony Sabine