Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned on Monday that the rise of far-right forces could lead to a rollback of civil liberties and urged the construction of a “stronger, more autonomous and more united” Europe. Speaking at the World in Progress forum, organized by Grupo PRISA in Barcelona, he said the continent was entering a new electoral cycle and stressed that “no destiny is written.”
Sánchez described Europe as facing a period of profound uncertainty. Referring to Stefan Zweig’s The World of Yesterday, he contrasted the continent’s former confidence in peace through close international ties with its current exposure to nationalism and conflict. He identified three major threats: the return of war in Europe following Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, competition between the United States and China, and disputes over resources, including energy.
The prime minister said the conflict in the Middle East had generated an additional cost of €100 billion, affecting European households and damaging the Global South. He defended the energy transition promoted by his government, arguing that more than half of Spain’s electricity now comes from renewable sources and that this has reduced the country’s vulnerability to external shocks.
Sánchez also highlighted Spain’s economic performance, citing year-on-year growth of 2.7%, an increase in Social Security-affiliated workers, and reductions in the deficit and public debt. He argued that governments do not have to choose between economic growth and emissions cuts, or between job creation and fiscal consolidation, while also reducing inequality through redistribution policies.
However, he acknowledged that Spain continues to face significant social pressures, particularly over housing and the cost of living. Trade unions have called a general strike for November 11 over these issues. Sánchez defended Spain’s Housing Law and criticized political parties that refuse to apply it, amid claims of falling rental prices in Barcelona during the two years since the legislation took effect.
The prime minister presented the far right as the European Union’s main internal threat, accusing it of pursuing fragmentation as an objective rather than merely as a route to power. He also criticized traditional conservative parties that have formed alliances with extremist movements, saying some had ultimately been absorbed by them. In this context, he declared: “Spain is not governed from Washington, Tel Aviv, Moscow or Buenos Aires.”
Sánchez argued that democracy and human rights require constant defense and praised political leaders who have maintained a barrier against far-right parties, citing Germany and Poland as examples. He also criticized parties that, in his view, submit to foreign oligarchs or form international alliances aimed at weakening Europe.
The prime minister called for stronger regulation of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. He said the issue was not excessive regulation but the need for effective rules guided by a clear vision of the future. For Sánchez, the response to current challenges should be “more Europe” and greater unity against attempts to divide the continent.
Sources: El País Internacional.