Few people anticipated that 2024 would mark such a bitter ending for progressive governments around the world. In Europe, countries such as France, Germany, Spain, and Canada are facing political and economic crises that are driving a shift toward the libertarian right. In other regions, left-wing parties have suffered significant setbacks as internal crises have weakened their influence.
Globally, social democratic parties govern in only six countries of the European Union, and only in three of them do they govern with left-wing partners. In Latin America, the fall of Kirchnerism in Argentina and the ideological shift in Peru foreshadow transformations, while the difficulties in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia reveal progressive instability. Meanwhile, the authoritarian left-wing regimes in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua face a horizon that anticipates an abrupt end. Finally, Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory over Kamala Harris in the United States symbolizes a global exhaustion with progressive policies, closing the chapter on a decade marked by the ideological crisis of the left.
This crisis of progressivism is the result of its inability to offer new solutions to the realities of the 21st century. The partisan co-optation of social movements and contradictions on issues such as human rights have undermined trust in progressivism. Center-left parties have distanced themselves from important sectors of their electoral base, especially in disadvantaged areas, while also failing to overcome the extractivist paradigm by subordinating themselves to elitist and anti-liberty policies.
For example, in France, the resignation of the prime minister following a motion of no confidence reflects a governance crisis that strengthens Marine Le Pen as a right-wing leader. In Germany, socialist Chancellor Scholz, after losing liberal support, faces early elections with a strengthened far-right AfD expanding its influence across the political landscape.
In Spain, corruption scandals and failed economic policies have eroded the credibility of Pedro Sánchez’s socialist government. With an imminent vote of no confidence, his administration appears to be on the verge of collapse, opening the door to significant change.
In Canada, the economic crisis has transformed the “Canadian dream” into an unattainable illusion for many families. The loss of purchasing power and growing criticism of Justin Trudeau’s progressive government have strengthened conservative forces, which are preparing to lead a transition.
In the United Kingdom, the Labour government faces criticism over its handling of freedom of expression. Figures such as Elon Musk have questioned whether the country is acting like a “police state” by detaining people for social media posts, weakening public trust at a time of increasing scrutiny.
In Mexico, the left-wing government led by Claudia Sheinbaum faces significant pressure from the United States. President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to designate Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, which could justify unilateral actions on Mexican territory. Sheinbaum has responded that Mexico will not accept subordination or interference, emphasizing national sovereignty. Meanwhile, internal challenges related to security and organized crime continue to worsen.
Extravagant fiscal deficits as a proportion of GDP in Brazil (9.4%), Mexico (5.9%), and Colombia (4.3%) reflect the irresponsibility of their governments. In Europe, France faces a 6.1% deficit and unsustainable debt, fueling an imbalance between social demands and economic capacity that threatens to collapse what was once a European power. These deficits erode confidence in the left as a viable model for solving the structural problems of these nations.
In contrast, liberal right-wing governments are transforming crises into opportunities. Argentina, under Javier Milei, managed to reduce monthly inflation from 25% to 2.7%, achieved a fiscal surplus, and projects 5% growth in 2025, thanks to public spending cuts and a deregulated economy. In the United States, during the Trump administration, GDP grew by as much as 2.9%, while unemployment fell to 4.1%, with millions of new jobs created thanks to tax reforms and deregulation.
The Community of Madrid under the libertarian government of Isabel Ayuso has consolidated its economic leadership in Spain, with a GDP 28% larger than Catalonia’s and attracting 70% of foreign investment in the country. This significant difference reflects investors’ preference for Madrid as the axis of freedom and entrepreneurship in Spain.
Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland are outstanding examples of how libertarian policies can transform economies. In Australia, decades of trade liberalization, financial market deregulation, and the privatization of public companies have strengthened its economic resilience, positioning it as one of the most stable economies in the world. New Zealand went from being a closed economy dependent on subsidies to one of the most open economies among developed countries, thanks to the elimination of tariffs and subsidies, as well as strategic deregulation that boosted its competitiveness. These reforms not only strengthened economic competitiveness but significantly improved opportunities for new generations.
Ireland, meanwhile, recovered from the financial crisis of the 1980s through a focus on foreign direct investment and disciplined fiscal adjustment, consolidating itself as the fastest-growing economy in Europe. These countries demonstrate that a libertarian approach, adapted to the particularities of each context, can generate stability, prosperity, and economic resilience.
In Guatemala, after a government that has prioritized progressive policies, an unavoidable question arises: who will take up the libertarian banner to lead a project of true economic and political freedom? Every effort counts, every step toward freedom is a victory for all of us and for our country. Guatemala has never had a libertarian government, but 2025 may mark the beginning of a historic change. May the winds of freedom and prosperity finally blow across our land, driven by the tireless work of its people and the desire to forge a free and prosperous republic. Freedom does not depend solely on the government, but on our unbreakable will to achieve the future we long for.
