Multilateral rules-based order in focus as progressive leaders meet in Barcelona

Progressive leaders met in Barcelona on Saturday to strengthen co-operation on democracy. The meetings focused on defending a multilateral rules-based order. Organisers warned that global politics was shifting rightwards amid major power tensions. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hosted two linked events in Spain’s second largest city.

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Democrats US Sen Chris Murphy and Minnesota Gov Tim Walz attended alongside leaders from Brazil and South Africa. High-ranking officials from other left-leaning governments also joined. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Colombian President Gustavo Petro were present. Cabinet members from the United Kingdom and Germany took part as well.

Pedro Sánchez and multilateral rules-based order

Without naming Donald Trump publicly, several speakers referred to pressure on global institutions. Criticism centred on attacks on NATO, the United Nations, and international law. Sánchez said the threat included growing acceptance of force in conflicts. "We all see the attacks against the multilateral system, the repeated attempts to undermine international law and the dangerous normalisation of the use of force,\" Sánchez said.

Trump again targeted Sánchez online on Saturday during the Barcelona events. Trump objected to Spain’s stance on military bases and defence spending levels. Sánchez has faced Trump’s scorn for rejecting a rise from 2 per cent to 5 per cent. \"Has anybody looked at how badly the country of Spain is doing. Their financial numbers, despite contributing almost nothing to NATO and their military defense, are absolutely horrendous. Sad to watch!!!\" Trump posted on Truth Social.

Spain, like the US and other developed countries, is in debt. Under Sánchez, Spain still holds one of the world’s leading economies. Later on Saturday, Sánchez addressed a rally of politicians and party members. Sánchez said right-wing populists acted loudly because their moment was fading.

Sánchez linked that claim to tariffs, wars, and social divisions. Sánchez also blamed climate change denial and hostility towards migrants and women. Sánchez said rivals used shame as a tool against progressive beliefs. Sánchez then told supporters they should no longer feel defensive. Sánchez said opponents should carry that burden instead.

Global Progressive Mobilisation and democracy meeting

The IV Meeting in Defence of Democracy opened Saturday’s double-header at the convention centre. Later, an inaugural Global Progressive Mobilisation followed at the same venue. About 6,000 elected officials, policy analysts, and activists exchanged ideas. German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil urged cross-border co-ordination. \"The far right is international, so we must be too,\" Klingbeil told a crowd of activists.

Murphy spoke at the rally and directly attacked Trump. Murphy also celebrated the election setback for Trump ally Viktor Orbán in Hungary last week. \"Donald Trump is out to end our democracy,\" Murphy said. \"We are not on the verge of a totalitarian takeover, we are in the middle of it.\" Murphy said the Hungary result lifted American spirits.

Walz criticised US Vice President J D Vance during remarks in Barcelona. Walz referenced Vance campaigning for Orbán and supporting far-right parties in Europe. Walz also pointed to Walz’s own experience amid a violent ICE migration crackdown in Minnesota. \"Unlike our current vice president, Im not here to arrogantly lecture or scold you, I am not here to pick a fight with the Pope or host a rally for any local wannabe authoritarians,\" Walz said.

Video messages were played from several US political figures during the programme. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared in a recorded message. Former US presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton also sent remarks. Sen Bernie Sanders delivered a separate video message. Organisers used the clips to broaden the event’s reach.

UN General Assembly proposals and progressive policies

Some leaders presented specific policy proposals during the meetings. Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa will take a draft plan to the UN General Assembly in September. The proposal would create an International Panel on Inequality. Ramaphosa said the aim was reducing wealth gaps within nations and between them.

Sheinbaum promoted a plan tied to defence spending and climate action. Sheinbaum urged governments to dedicate an amount equal to 10 per cent of military budgets to reforestation. \"Each year, instead of planting the seeds of war, we will plant the seeds of life,\" she said. Sánchez also argued for regulating social media to limit hate and disinformation.

Sánchez’s government said it was working with Brazil on a tax for the ultrarich. Lula met Sánchez in a bilateral summit on Friday in Barcelona. During Saturday’s events, Lula focused on renewing progressive energy. Lula avoided naming Trump, except while urging UN Security Council members to act. \"Stop this madness of war because the world cannot bear any more wars,\" Lula said.

The Barcelona gatherings ended with leaders emphasising shared risks and shared goals. Speakers described pressure on international institutions and rising polarisation in many countries. They also highlighted proposals on inequality, climate measures, and online regulation. The events kept attention on multilateral co-operation, even as disputes over defence and conflict shaped the backdrop.

With inputs from PTI