Costa in Chile warns of rise of far right and calls for democratic unity

The Prime Minister warns of the rise of the far right in the Americas and Europe, believing that this movement exploits the discourse of radicalization and hatred, and calls for the mobilization of all democrats.

This position was taken by António Costa in an interview published this Sunday in the digital edition of the Chilean newspaper La Tercera, during which he praised the Presidents of Chile Gabriel Borich and Brazil Lula da Silva.

“The phenomenon of the rise of the far right, based on the radicalization of political discourse, hateful rhetoric, division and restriction of rights, poses a serious risk to democracy and freedom. “, he asserted.

Antonio Costa arrived in Chile this Sunday to take part on Monday in ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of General Augusto Pinochet’s coup d’état, which overthrew Chilean democracy under the leadership of democratically elected President Salvador Allende.

Also on Monday, at La Moneda Palace, headquarters of the Chilean government, the Prime Minister of Portugal and attending heads of state, especially from Latin America, will sign a document in favor of democracy and human rights entitled “The Declaration of Santiago.”

In an interview with La Tercera newspaper, António Costa refused to talk about the “Portuguese model” of left-wing convergence, saying his three governments represented different political configurations, but said there was now a new relationship between the forces of the movement. ideological space.

“Every country and every moment has its own specificity, and it is difficult to talk about the Portuguese model, given that in the last eight years we have gone through different configurations: from agreements on parliamentary influence – the so-called “Gerigonça” – to minority. government without these agreements and now an absolute majority. However, it is clear that in November 2015 the taboo that existed in Portugal was broken and the door to a new relationship with the Portuguese left was opened,” he said.

Regarding the coup d’état of September 11, 1973, which lasted Chile’s dictatorship until 1988, António Costa said he “deeply admires the figure of President Allende and his legacy of uncompromising defense of democracy and its institutions.” for which he gave his life.”

“Salvador Allende remains today the standard for many generations of democrats. He is a symbol of resistance to dictatorship,” he emphasized in an interview in which he praised the current head of the Chilean state, Gabriel Borich, and in which he was asked about the impact of Lula da Silva’s triumph in the last presidential elections in Brazil.

“We welcome this return because we are witnessing not only the return of Lula da Silva to power, but also the return of Brazil to the international stage. Brazil, committed to protecting the environment and combating climate change. Brazil, which increasingly considers itself a global player,” he said.

Asked about the recent victories of presidential candidates in a number of South American countries such as Colombia, Chile or Brazil, António Costa said that he takes this phenomenon naturally.

“Six years ago, the vast majority of Latin American governments were right-wing. The leftist majority that exists today is a natural—and healthy—reflection of democratic change,” he said.