Spain’s Sachez says ‘extremist movements’ are biggest threat to democracy, peace

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Monday about the dangers of “extremist movements” after thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro raided Brazil’s Congress and presidential offices.

“The news from Brazil reminds us that the biggest threat to democracy, peace and prosperity around the world – from north to south, east to west – is the resurgence of extremist movements willing to destroy everything,” Sanchez said at an ambassadors’ conference in Madrid.

The Spanish premier broke down the methods of these “extremist” movements, which he said follow the exact same pattern in nation after nation.

“First, the systematic use of lies to get more followers. Second, resorting to insults and verbal violence to poison harmonious societies … and finally, an attack of democratic institutions and democratic legality.”

He argued that values like democracy, gender equality and international law are the “best antidotes” to the “repulsive phenomenon” that triggered assaults on both Washington and Brasilia.

Sanchez emphasized his support for Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and said Spain would continue promoting democratic values with “intense” foreign policy activities in 2023.

In the second half of the year, Spain will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU.