The current leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, boldly asserted that Cuba boasts a more democratic system than the United States and emphasized that the island nation does not experience disappearances or murders.
During a meeting with over one hundred young Americans from the Let Cuba Live brigade, Díaz-Canel declared that Cuba will not abandon socialism, arguing that capitalism exacerbates, rather than solves, humanity's problems.
"We have shortages, issues, and limitations, but there are no disappearances or murders here. This country is more democratic than the United States. Here, the people participate, and the majority are optimistic and share," he noted.
"We fight every day and overcome adversities and obstacles daily. As I say, victory breeds victory," he added.
The Single-Party Defense
In another part of his speech, the leader defended Cuba's single-party system, arguing that democracy is not defined by multiparty systems but by people's ability to "exercise their rights."
"People don't understand us when we say we have only one party, and they claim we aren't democratic because of it," he questioned.
"Is the United States democratic because it has multiple parties? One party, the Republican, implemented 243 measures to tighten the blockade, and the Democrat maintained them. What's the story? Is that democracy?" he asked rhetorically.
Understanding Cuba's Political System and Democracy
In light of Miguel Díaz-Canel's assertions, here are some questions and answers to better understand Cuba's political stance and its claims regarding democracy.
What does Díaz-Canel mean by saying Cuba is more democratic than the United States?
Díaz-Canel argues that Cuba's democracy is superior because, according to him, the island does not experience disappearances or murders, and the people actively participate in the political process.
Why does Díaz-Canel defend the single-party system in Cuba?
He believes that democracy is not about having multiple parties but about the people being able to exercise their rights. He questions the effectiveness of the multiparty system in the United States, citing the continuity of restrictive measures regardless of the party in power.
What are the 243 measures Díaz-Canel refers to?
The 243 measures refer to the policies implemented by the Trump administration to tighten the economic blockade against Cuba, which have largely been maintained by the Biden administration.