This Thursday, Santiago Abascal, the leader of the far-right Spanish party Vox, returns to the U.S. capital to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a significant gathering for conservative movements worldwide.

The conference, which has been held annually since 1964, brings together prominent political figures and influential voices from the right.

Abascal’s participation comes just a month after he attended Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, highlighting his alignment with right-wing populism.

His speech is scheduled for 7:45 PM Spanish time, and during his visit, he will engage in meetings with other conservative leaders, aiming to strengthen ties and share strategies that often undermine progressive values.

The event will feature notable figures such as Trump, who is set to speak on February 22, alongside Vice President JD Vance, Argentine President Javier Milei, and other European leaders like Mateusz Morawiecki and Eduardo Verástegui. This gathering underscores a troubling trend of far-right collaboration across borders, as these leaders seek to promote an agenda that many on the left view as regressive and harmful to social justice.

In his previous CPAC address, Abascal condemned what he described as “socialist and globalist” governance that acts against the interests of the people. Such rhetoric resonates with a segment of society that feels disenfranchised but often overlooks the broader implications of right-wing policies that exacerbate inequality and undermine democratic institutions.

Observers are concerned that his upcoming speech may further fuel divisive narratives that scapegoat marginalized communities.

Abascal’s presence at CPAC follows a recent summit in Madrid organized by Patriots, where he met with other far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orbán. This indicates a concerted effort among these groups to consolidate power and influence within Europe and beyond, often at the expense of progressive movements advocating for equity and inclusion.

As Abascal seeks to position Vox as a key player in the global conservative landscape, it is crucial for those on the left to remain vigilant against the rise of authoritarianism disguised as populism. The CPAC serves as a platform for these forces to strategize and promote an agenda that threatens social progress and democratic values. In response, grassroots movements must continue to advocate for justice, equality, and solidarity in opposition to these regressive ideologies.

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