King Felipe VI has called for renewed faith in democratic systems and their ability to build consensus as international cooperation faces mounting challenges. Addressing the Club de Madrid’s Annual Policy Dialogue 2026 in Madrid, the monarch stressed the urgency of defending democratic values as global trust erodes and countries face growing pressure to turn inward.
During his speech, Felipe VI reflected on the lessons of the twentieth century, noting that the memory of two world wars remains a warning against abandoning rational, collective approaches. Despite unprecedented interdependence among nations, many now see this interconnectedness as a vulnerability rather than a strength. The king described a climate of growing isolationism, with some actors prioritizing material gains and individual interests over rights, freedoms and the rule of law.
Felipe VI said the path forward requires rebuilding trust and legitimacy while ensuring accountability in decision-making. Democracies are uniquely equipped to encourage these qualities, he argued, but their effectiveness depends on societies’ willingness to cooperate. He called for a renewed commitment to what he described as the “unfinished and monumental task of building a freer, more responsible, and more conscious world.” This effort, he stressed, is impressive to alleviating suffering and restoring hope and dignity around the world.
Protecting global public goods, including climate stability, health security, ocean protection, food security and a safe digital environment, is both a moral and a rational imperative, Felipe VI said. He warned that the costs of neglecting these areas far exceed the investments required for prevention, and cited Spain’s multilateral strategy for sustainable development as an example of national commitment to these goals. Acting now, he said, is less burdensome than facing the consequences of inaction in the future.
The king’s remarks came as the Club de Madrid marked its 25th anniversary, bringing together former democratic heads of state and government, along with experts, to address pressing issues facing democracy and international cooperation. Discussions at the forum reflect broader concern about fragile democratic institutions and the need for renewed consensus in a rapidly changing world. This focus on accountability and legitimacy echoes developments in Spain’s political field, where judicial scrutiny and public debate over governance have intensified. One example is the ongoing investigation involving former Prime Minister Zapatero, detailed in recent court proceedings.
Spain has played an active role in promoting multilateral cooperation within the European Union and the United Nations. The Club de Madrid, headquartered in Spain, is recognized as the world’s largest forum of former democratic leaders, and its annual dialogues often set the tone for international policy debates. Felipe VI’s intervention signals a continued commitment to these principles as global trends challenge the foundations of democratic governance.
Cooperation also features in the King’s public engagements with local governments. On October 19, 2026, Felipe VI met representatives of Ibero-American cities at the Palacio de La Zarzuela. The royal household said discussions covered shared urban challenges, including strategic planning, new idea, artificial intelligence in city management, culture and heritage, local economic development, security and social cohesion. The meeting was organized within the Ibero-American structure by the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities and the Ibero-American General Secretariat.
On October 22, Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri was received by Felipe VI at La Zarzuela as part of the II Ibero-American Meeting of Cities. Macri and Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida presented the Ibero-American Mayors’ Declaration, which was intended to carry cities’ priorities to the XXX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for Spain in November. Macri described cities as “the first arena in which global dynamics have an impact,” underscoring how international pressures are felt locally and why cooperation across levels of government matters.
