Chilean President Gabriel Boric hosted a gathering in Santiago, where he and leftist leaders from Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, and Spain pledged to enhance global cooperation and advocate for social justice.
The event, titled “Democracy Forever,” served as a forum for attendees to challenge U.S. policies, denounce tariffs, and address the situation in Gaza, which some labeled “genocide.” Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva and Colombian President Gustavo Petro delivered particularly fervent speeches against capitalism. The audience included representatives from leftist think tanks and civil society organizations.
The summit concluded with a joint statement in which the leaders committed to a series of initiatives designed to uphold democracy, human rights, social justice, and multilateralism while seeking to tackle the deep-rooted issues undermining democratic integrity.
These initiatives included backing United Nations and UNESCO’s climate change efforts. Following the recent announcement of the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO, which cited national interest, the call for support appeared even more pressing.
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During his opening remarks, Lula refrained from explicitly targeting the U.S. government but did refer to what he termed the “fall-right Washington consensus,” accusing its proponents of being “anti-democratic, negativist, and interventionist,” branding them as “the enemy of democracy.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ov3lcpnyng
“This enemy no longer relies on tanks or gunboats,” Lula stated. “Instead, they control algorithms, incite hatred, and promote fear. They instigate cultural conflicts and manipulate trade for coercion.” He pointed out the threat to institutions, science, and solidarity between nations.
Lula continued, criticizing the far right in Latin America for adhering to its nostalgic vision of hegemony, stating it undermines sovereignty and self-determination. He urged progressive movements to regain their historical causes.
At the event, he further remarked that democracy should not align with extremes or fascist actions that disrespect societal equity.
Lula also condemned Israel’s actions, emphasizing that “nothing can justify the indiscriminate killing of women and children in Gaza,” and advocated for the regulation of digital platforms, relating this to broader discussions on state sovereignty.
“Real-life crime should translate into the digital realm,” he asserted, emphasizing the urgent need for a framework regulating online conduct. “Digital platforms must not become lawless spaces where hate and violence flourish.” He concluded by expressing that, at 79, he still had a cause to pursue.
Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s far-left president, also voiced his opinions, stating we are witnessing a “collapse of capitalism.” He used his time to critique social uprisings in Chile and Colombia and mentioned inviting Argentine President Javier Milei to the World Economic Forum.
Petro linked his comments to the ongoing “climate crisis,” discussing its threat to the current neoliberal framework. “For years, I have examined how this crisis demolishes neoliberalism, which claims to maximize human happiness,” he noted.
“Ensuring life today means ensuring that capital does not control it,” he argued.
Boric expressed gratitude to the attendees and extended invitations to leaders like Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who couldn’t attend. He noted discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about potentially expanding the dialogue at an upcoming UN gathering.
“To those who criticize this conference, let me say: it’s never the wrong time to strengthen democracy or reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and respect for human rights,” Boric concluded.
