The Cuban journalist and TV host Ismael Cala has expressed his desire to become the next President of Cuba. "Cuba deserves sanity," Cala stated during an interview with Jorge Ramos on Univision's "Al Punto" this Sunday, where he revealed his interest in leading the Caribbean nation. "Returning to Cuba is one of my future reinventions. If you ask me how I can contribute more to my country, I would say by being the next president of Cuba," Cala explained.
In his view, the island's government should be led by someone with extensive global experience. "Cuba deserves someone who travels the world and knows what to bring back to the country, someone who can change the roots of the ostracism that has plunged the island into poverty and mediocrity for over 60 years," Cala commented.
The author also discussed his career and his new book, The Art of Listening, a comprehensive guide to learning to listen and evolve in all aspects of life. In February 2023, Cala also expressed his interest in participating in Cuban politics. The presenter mentioned that he might accept an opportunity to develop in this field. "If you, who speak about consciousness and values to others, say no to the chance to serve your country, why should you demand integrity and honesty from others?" he questioned, criticizing the lack of a collective awakening that could lead to a social uprising in search of a worthy government.
Reflecting on Cuba's Historical Moments
Cala further explained that, in his opinion, Cuba experienced a moment in 1959 that inspired thousands of young people on the island and in the region. He suggested that, had he lived during that time, he might have been part of that group of people "because in that year, Fidel Castro didn't speak of socialism, only of ending corruption, much like many do today."
However, Cala is not a figure that many Cubans would rally behind; most see him as culturally distant. In early 2024, Cala revealed for the first time why his manner of speaking is not typical of Cubans. He recounted how he began to change his way of speaking at the age of eight when a very educated and elegant woman entered his classroom and selected him to be an actor and radio announcer.
He shared that he suffered from bullying at that time and didn't even go out for recess for fear of other children. That changed when he met Nilda G. Alemán, a writer and director of children's radio programs, who transformed his life. "She gave that boy the confidence he lacked," Cala confessed, asserting that he might have opportunities to become the next president of Cuba.
Ismael Cala's Presidential Aspirations and Cuban Politics
To delve deeper into Ismael Cala's recent statements and his potential involvement in Cuban politics, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What motivated Ismael Cala to express his desire to become the President of Cuba?
Ismael Cala believes that Cuba deserves a leader with extensive global experience who can end the country's prolonged state of poverty and mediocrity.
What did Cala say about the moment in 1959 in Cuba?
Cala mentioned that 1959 was a moment that inspired many young people on the island and the region, and he suggested that he might have been part of that group if he had lived during that time.
Why do many Cubans see Ismael Cala as culturally distant?
Cala's manner of speaking, which he began to change at a young age under the influence of Nilda G. Alemán, is not typical of most Cubans.