logo
Leftist leaders gather in Chile warning democracy 'under threat'

Leftist leaders gather in Chile warning democracy 'under threat'

France 242 days ago
They gathered under the motto "democracy always," against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's expanding tariff war and America's worsening ties with several erstwhile allies.
"Today, in many parts of the world, democracy is under threat," Chilean President Gabriel Boric said as he opened the summit with counterparts Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Gustavo Petro of Colombia, Uruguay's Yamandu Orsi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
He blamed "disinformation, extremism of all kinds, the advance of hatred, corruption, the concentration of power and inequality."
Boric said the Santiago summit would discuss ways "to strengthen our democracies and multilateralism," with proposals to be presented at a UN General Assembly meeting in New York in September.
"Defending truth, defending science, and opposing deception...must also be part of our debate," said the Chilean leader.
The meeting came amid rising tensions between Trump and leftist leaders worldwide.
His current focus is on Brazil, where far-right ally Jair Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly plotting a coup against Lula.
The Brazilian president last week decried "unacceptable blackmail" after Trump threatened 50 percent tariffs in part over the trial, which the US leader labeled a "witch hunt."
'Extremism and authoritarianism'
Political analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank said meetings like the one in Santiago were useful for like-minded politicians to "discuss how to navigate an increasingly complex and turbulent world."
But he warned Trump "may view the meeting as a hostile message to the United States."
Boric, for his part, warned against "extremism and authoritarianism" used to silence dissent and suppress debate.
"I also want to tell critics of this gathering that there is never a bad time to strengthen democracy, to reaffirm our convictions regarding multilateralism and the unwavering respect for human rights, always," he added.
Boric said he had invited Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canada's Mark Carney to the meeting, but they were unable to attend.
© 2025 AFP
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Venezuela to investigate Bukele, other officials for alleged detainee abuse
Venezuela to investigate Bukele, other officials for alleged detainee abuse

France 24

time9 minutes ago

  • France 24

Venezuela to investigate Bukele, other officials for alleged detainee abuse

02:09 23/07/2025 France: Culture minister Rachida Dati to be tried on corruption charges 23/07/2025 Restoring sea floor after mining may not be possible, researchers warn 23/07/2025 Russian delegation departs Moscow for Istanbul talks with Ukraine 23/07/2025 Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76 23/07/2025 More than 100 aid groups warn 'mass starvation' spreading across Gaza 22/07/2025 Brazil: Bolsonaro flashes ankle monitor as judge threatens imprisonment 22/07/2025 "Colbert stays, Trump must go": End of the Late Show shakes New York fans 22/07/2025 Ukraine-Russia talks overshadowed by child deportations and renewed strikes 22/07/2025 Trump escalates war on the press

Germany seeks US guarantee before sending Patriots to Ukraine
Germany seeks US guarantee before sending Patriots to Ukraine

France 24

time9 minutes ago

  • France 24

Germany seeks US guarantee before sending Patriots to Ukraine

In comments to Der Spiegel news magazine, Pistorius said European NATO members needed "watertight" guarantees that any American-made Patriot air-defence systems sent to Ukraine would be replaced within about six to eight months. US President Donald Trump last week announced a deal with NATO chief Mark Rutte for European alliance members to buy US weaponry -- particularly Patriot systems -- for Kyiv to help it in its war against Russia. The move marked a pivot for Trump as his patience has worn thin with Russia's President Vladimir Putin for frustrating efforts to halt the war in Ukraine. Germany has offered to finance two of the Patriot systems, while several other NATO allies have expressed willingness to pay for three more. But concern has grown as Washington wants European allies to first send Patriot systems from their own stocks to Ukraine and then wait for replacements from the United States. Pistorius told Der Spiegel it was important that "the countries transferring systems can continue to meet their NATO requirements and that no security gaps arise for NATO". Countries including Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands had declared their willingness to finance Patriot systems, but Pistorius said that "no decision has been made as to which country could supply Patriot systems to Ukraine". Speaking later at a Berlin news conference, he said talks were ongoing on the question of "which countries in Europe and beyond currently have Patriots, and in what quantities are they willing to hand them over?" He added: "There is money for these Patriots. Now we just need the Patriots." Germany formerly had 12 Patriot systems but has sent three to Ukraine and two to Poland. Another Patriot battery is dedicated to training, leaving Germany with six active units.

France: Culture minister Rachida Dati to be tried on corruption charges
France: Culture minister Rachida Dati to be tried on corruption charges

France 24

time9 minutes ago

  • France 24

France: Culture minister Rachida Dati to be tried on corruption charges

01:29 23/07/2025 Venezuela to investigate Bukele, other officials for alleged detainee abuse 23/07/2025 Russian delegation departs Moscow for Istanbul talks with Ukraine 23/07/2025 Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76 23/07/2025 More than 100 aid groups warn 'mass starvation' spreading across Gaza 22/07/2025 Brazil: Bolsonaro flashes ankle monitor as judge threatens imprisonment 22/07/2025 "Colbert stays, Trump must go": End of the Late Show shakes New York fans 22/07/2025 Ukraine-Russia talks overshadowed by child deportations and renewed strikes 22/07/2025 Trump escalates war on the press

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store