Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned on Friday in Spain that when democracy retreats 'a Hitler appears', during meetings with President Pedro Sánchez and at the Progressive Summit in Barcelona. The leaders signed bilateral agreements and defended democracy against reactionary threats. Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof attended the event and criticized Javier Milei's direction.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued the warning during a joint press conference with Pedro Sánchez in Spain, ahead of the Global Progressive Summit in Barcelona. 'We must discuss to find a solution to strengthen the democratic process worldwide, to prevent backsliding. Because when there is backsliding, a Hitler appears', Lula said.
Prior to the conference, the Spain-Brazil Summit involved 10 ministers from each country, signing agreements on critical minerals, combating violence against women, and scientific cooperation, according to AFP. Sánchez emphasized that Brazil and Spain should bridge the European Union with Latin America and the Caribbean. 'While others open wounds, we want to close and heal them', he said.
Sánchez noted democracy faces attacks from 'that reactionary wave, authoritarians, disinformation'. The meeting is the fourth in a year and a half between the leaders. Lula also recalled Barcelona's history as capital during the Spanish Civil War 90 years ago.
In Barcelona, Axel Kicillof met Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who praised him on social media: 'I meet with the mayor of Buenos Aires, who will possibly be president of Argentina to get it out of collapse'. Kicillof was surprised and criticized Milei: 'Trump's direction, represented by Javier Milei, causes much damage'. The summit continues on Saturday.
