Spain’s Sánchez builds anti-Trump coalition on the lookout for political lifeline at dwelling

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By&nbsp Maria Tadeo from Barcelona

Printed on 18/04/2026 - 21:46 GMT+2 • Up to date 22:22

Pedro Sánchez rallied world leaders in Barcelona this weekend at a two-day conference billed because the “progressive CPAC”, crowning himself chief of the worldwide left whereas grappling with mounting challenges at dwelling.

The Spanish chief warned of a global “reactionary wave” fuelling hate speech, sexism, warfare and division, with out explicitly naming US President Donald Trump.

"It would not matter how a lot they scream, or what number of lies they unfold," Sánchez stated in a speech on Saturday. "The time for the reactionary, ultra-right has come to an finish."

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva echoed the remarks, criticising these “who name themselves patriots however put their sovereignty up on the market and name for sanctions”.

Chants of “No to warfare” may very well be heard on the Fira auditorium in Barcelona.

The visitor listing 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, whereas South Africa has additionally confronted allegations of “anti-white” racism — claims echoed by tech billionaire Elon Musk.

A European delegation included German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, UK International Secretary David Lammy, Italy’s opposition chief Elly Schlein, and Belgian politician Paul Magnette. Tax-the-rich economist Gabriel Zucman was additionally in attendance.

European Council President António Costa cancelled on the final minute, citing private causes, and skipped a gathering maybe thought-about too political for his function.

Mexico's Sheinbaum participated in an occasion about defending democracies however didn't be part of the extra political rally on Saturday. A US-Mexico-Canada commerce settlement is below overview by the Trump administration and delicate talks about phrases are ongoing.

Progressive CPAC to counter world MAGA Sánchez stated the Barcelona convention — unofficially billed as a left-wing reply to the conservative gathering CPAC — would serve to unite “progressive forces” below a single banner. A supply concerned within the preparations informed Euronews that Brazil had requested Spain to maneuver the occasion earlier to spring, with April in the end chosen because the date.

Whereas not one of the leaders talked about US President Donald Trump by identify, references to the American chief surfaced repeatedly, alongside criticism of his insurance policies. From tariffs to the warfare in Iran, officers known as for a progressive response to "a reactionary wave."

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who ran alongside Hillary Clinton in her failed presidential bid towards Donald Trump, addressed a big crowd on Saturday through the inaugural World Progressive Mobilisation, describing Trump as “trigger-happy” with no precise plan.

Walz denounced a seemingly authoritative drift below the Trump, suggesting "we have to name that what it's. That is fascism. Or a minimum of it is fascist curious as they'd be."

Brazil's president Lula joined within the criticism of the warfare in Iran, and greeted Spain's determination to disclaim entry to US forces to make use of Spanish navy bases to strike Iran.

"I need to salute buddy, Pedro Sánchez, for having the braveness (to say no)," Lula added.

A troublesome week for Sánchez at dwelling By usually taking an impartial stance - from Gaza to the warfare in Iran - the Spanish prime minister has captured a world viewers, main a bloc of left-wing leaders.

Euronews first reported about plans to organise a conference for socialist events and the worldwide left in March.

Euronews additionally reported that Sánchez sought to capitalise on public discontent over the warfare in Iran and the unpopularity of Trump to spice up his worldwide profile.

His stance has earned him applause, but in addition criticism from the White Home.

Trump has repeatedly stated he “needs nothing to do with Spain” and has criticised Sánchez as a foul chief who's “not paying” his fair proportion for NATO safety. He additionally threatened to impose a full commerce blockade, though no measures have been introduced.

The conference wraps a troublesome week for the Spanish prime minister after his spouse, Begoña Gómez, was charged with corruption and is ready to face trial following a two-year investigation. The couple have denied any wrongdoing.