Right-Wing Surge Sweeps Latin America and Spain: Colombia, Peru, and Catholic Group Turn Right as Brazil Vote Looms
Colombia and Peru have elected right-wing leaders in close races, while Spain's powerful Catholic Association of Propagandists (ACdP) is set to install a far-right-aligned president amid fraud allegations, signaling a broader conservative shift across the Western world [199198][199312].
In Latin America, Colombia and Peru recently chose right-wing leaders who align with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Both elections were tight, and analysts say the results reflect weakening centrist parties and rising public concern over crime—not necessarily a clear ideological shift to the right [199198]. Trump has amplified the trend by hosting regional allies in Florida. However, his tariffs on Brazil had the opposite effect, boosting the standing of leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva [199198]. Brazil’s presidential election in October will be a major test, with the outcome showing whether Latin America’s rightward movement continues or stalls [199198].
Meanwhile, in Spain, the ACdP—a once-moderate Catholic group—is holding elections on Saturday amid fraud allegations and a clear far-right turn [199312]. After eight years, President Alfonso Bullón de Mendoza is stepping down, having led the group’s shift toward ultra-conservatism, turning its media outlet *El Debate* and the CEU university into a hub for global far-right figures [199312]. Under his watch, the ACdP awarded its Medal of Honor to Argentina's Javier Milei and hosted guests like Trump ideologue Kevin Rogers and Spain's Santiago Abascal [199312]. The group also welcomed ultra-conservative bishops and cardinals opposed to Pope Francis [199312].
Now, the ACdP is set to elect Josep Massip as its new leader. He is the only official candidate, backed “unanimously” by the National Council [199312]. However, a complaint filed on May 29 with the Spanish Bishops' Conference (CEE) alleges five irregularities, including coercion and abuse of power to favor Massip [199312]. The CEE investigated and dismissed the case. Notably, the CEE’s current compliance director is Alfredo Dagnino, a former ACdP president [199312]. Despite the complaint, Massip secured 213 endorsements, far ahead of his three rivals [199312]. Bullón de Mendoza made clear: “The change of president will not mean a change of direction in this house” [199312].