A Cuban who has lived in Spain for 11 years delivered a strong message, urging the public to prevent socialism from taking root in the European nation to avoid the dire consequences currently experienced by the people of Cuba and Venezuela.
"Cuba has been under a communist and socialist dictatorship for 64 years, and there has been no improvement; everything has gotten worse," said the 53-year-old man in a video posted on TikTok by the profile El Galán Hispano.
He mentioned the case of Venezuela, which despite its natural wealth, its people suffer from extreme poverty.
"I urge Spaniards not to let these examples reach Spain," he said, while encouraging them to think about the future of the European nation, especially for the next generations.
"The dictatorship is already here," he said, referring to the government of Pedro Sánchez in Spain. In April, Sánchez debated whether to continue his presidency but ultimately decided to remain. Spain has become one of the countries that have received the most Cuban migrants in recent years. The number of Cubans residing in Spain reached a historic high of nearly 200,000, according to the latest data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) of Spain as of January 1, 2023.
As of that date, there were 198,639 people born in Cuba, of which 73,548 held resident status. This increase coincides with the worsening of the economic and political crisis on the island, especially after the crackdown following the July 11th protests (11J).
Understanding the Impact of Socialism on Cuba and Venezuela
In this section, we address some of the key questions and concerns regarding the effects of socialism in Cuba and Venezuela, and its potential implications for Spain.
Why is socialism blamed for the problems in Cuba and Venezuela?
Socialism in both Cuba and Venezuela has led to economic mismanagement, lack of political freedoms, and widespread poverty. The centralized control of resources and industries often results in inefficiencies and corruption.
How has the Cuban community in Spain grown in recent years?
The Cuban community in Spain has grown significantly, reaching nearly 200,000 residents as of January 2023, largely due to the worsening economic and political conditions in Cuba.
What are the potential risks of socialism spreading to Spain?
The potential risks include economic decline, loss of political freedoms, and increased government control over industries and resources, which could lead to inefficiencies and corruption similar to those seen in Cuba and Venezuela.