A document sealed in Chile could change the international political game.

This Monday in Santiago, Chile, leaders from five countries met within the framework of the "Democracy Always" summit, with the goal of articulating a common agenda in the face of the rise of extremist rhetoric. In an international context marked by political tensions and signs of erosion in progressive governments, the presidents sought to demonstrate cohesion and outline a joint roadmap.

The meeting, promoted by Chilean President Gabriel Boric, was attended by leaders such as Gustavo Petro (Colombia), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Pedro Sánchez (Spain), and Uruguayan Yamandú Orsi, among others. The summit emerges as a continuation of a process initiated in 2024 by Lula and Sánchez during the UN General Assembly, with the aim of creating an international network for the defense of democracy.

In his speech, Orsi stated that Uruguay should maintain diplomatic relations with all elected governments, regardless of their ideological orientation. He mentioned, as examples, his recent meeting with Javier Milei, President of Argentina, and his upcoming meeting with Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador. "It's a philosophical issue more than an ideological one," he told the press.

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Orsi added the Uruguayan voice to a key meeting on democracy and international cooperation.

While other leaders used the event to issue warnings against what they call "the reactionary international," Orsi preferred a more moderate tone, focused on building consensus. He spoke of "being self-critical" regarding the disconnect between politics and society, and proposed working together on issues such as social media, disinformation, and citizen security.

The summit, held at the Matucana Cultural Center and La Moneda Palace, also included symbolic events, such as a visit to the office of former President Salvador Allende, a historic figure of Chilean socialism. Representatives from civil society organizations and progressive foundations also participated, including Uruguayan delegations from the Líber Seregni Foundation, Siembra, and Observacom.

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Leaders from different countries debated in Chile how to protect regional democracy.

At the regional level, the summit drew criticism from opposition sectors. From Uruguay, nationalist leaders such as Álvaro Delgado and Congressman Juan Martín Rodríguez questioned the meeting. In a statement published by the Chilean newspaper El Mercurio, they accused the participating leaders of weakening democratic principles and evading institutional controls.

Despite the observations, the leaders meeting in Chile agreed to move toward a sustained agenda. The final document establishes the intention to consolidate a regional network of countries and civil society, with a focus on citizen participation and the defense of human rights. A new summit in Spain is also planned for next year, as well as another event parallel to the UN General Assembly, scheduled for September.

New heads of state are expected to participate in this upcoming event, including those from Mexico, France, Honduras, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Australia, and South Africa. While not all share the same ideological line, the organizers believe there is common ground in the face of the rise of ultraconservative movements.

Those close to Orsi welcome the fact that the summit was not limited to a symbolic gesture, but rather defined concrete steps. For the Uruguayan president, who espouses a pragmatic, progressive approach, these types of forums allow for the articulation of proposals without falling into confrontational logic.

Meanwhile, the document signed in Chile marks a new attempt to reconfigure the role of global progressivism, at a time when democratic consensus seems increasingly fragile.