BARCELONA – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned on April 17 that any “setbacks” to democracy could open the door to authoritarian regimes like that of Adolf Hitler, as he and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez prepared to lead a gathering of global left‑wing leaders in Barcelona.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Mr Sánchez, Mr Lula said the April 18 “In Defence of Democracy” summit aims to explore ways to strengthen democratic processes worldwide and prevent reversals. “Because when there is a setback, a Hitler happens,” he said, warning that democratic backsliding could revive the kind of tyranny seen in the 20th century. The two leaders framed the meeting as an effort to build a progressive alliance against a rising tide of right‑wing and far‑right politics.
Mr Sánchez argued that the post‑World War II multilateral order, anchored in the United Nations, must be “improved” and “renewed” after being weakened by conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran, as well as by trade tensions stoked by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. He said the values of human rights and territorial integrity are now under pressure from a “reactionary wave,” authoritarian leaders and disinformation that threaten democratic institutions.
The meeting is expected to bring together figures such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, European Council chief Antonio Costa and Irish President Catherine Connolly. Mr Lula, Mr Sánchez and Mr Ramaphosa will also close a separate two‑day forum in Barcelona for progressive politicians, activists and intellectuals. Earlier in the day, Mr Lula joined Mr Sánchez for a Spain‑Brazil summit that produced agreements on fighting crime, discrimination, gender violence, and boosting economic cooperation and artificial intelligence collaboration.