Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel declared on Friday at the IX Plenary of the Communist Party that his administration is fully prepared to deal with the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the presidency of the United States. Addressing the Cuban communists, Díaz-Canel emphasized that the latest electoral developments in the U.S. were not unexpected for his government, reaffirming his commitment to withstand any increase in hostility toward the island.
"The recent electoral outcome in the United States didn't catch us off guard, just as we aren't surprised by the frenzied attempts of those eager to celebrate the end of the Revolution they have failed to defeat," stated the Cuban leader. Furthermore, he assured, "Aware of this reality, we are poised to face this new scenario with composure and without fear, yet vigilant and prepared."
He underscored that his government will not capitulate to interference attempts nor abandon its socialist path. "The solution is not, and will never be, to make concessions to those who aim to destroy and dominate us. We will overcome the current difficulties with creativity, enhancing development programs based on talent, innovation, work, and creative resilience," he declared, echoing his usual rhetoric.
Díaz-Canel mentioned a readiness for respectful dialogue with the United States, yet made it clear any intervention attempts would be firmly opposed. "We will keep our hand open to the American people, especially to the Cubans living there, and maintain a readiness for respectful dialogue with its government. However, any attempt at interference will be firmly rejected," he asserted.
The Stark Reality Behind the Rhetoric
Despite Díaz-Canel's defiant tone, the internal situation in Cuba starkly contrasts with the official narrative. The island is experiencing one of its most severe economic crises in decades, characterized by shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods, along with prolonged power outages and a mass exodus of citizens in search of better living conditions.
While the government continues to blame the U.S. economic embargo as the primary cause of these hardships, both internal and external critics point to the inefficiency of the Cuban economic model and the lack of structural reforms as significant contributing factors. Experts highlight that internal policies, such as excessive centralization and the lack of incentives for private initiative, have also played a role in the worsening living conditions.
Potential Implications of Trump's Return
During his first term (2017-2021), Donald Trump imposed over 200 restrictive measures against Cuba, reversing the rapprochement initiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama. Regarding Trump's potential return to the White House and its impact on U.S. policy toward Cuba, Cuban-American congressman Mario Díaz-Balart has suggested that a second Trump term could escalate pressure on the regimes of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Díaz-Balart asserted that these regimes "are weak and faltering" and that with another four years of Trump in the White House, they would face "significant challenges in remaining in power."
Understanding the Potential Impact on Cuba
How is Cuba preparing for a potential Trump presidency?
Cuba, under Díaz-Canel's leadership, claims to be ready to face increased hostility if Trump returns to power, by maintaining composure and focusing on creative resilience.
What are the main challenges facing Cuba internally?
Cuba is dealing with severe economic challenges, including shortages of essential goods, prolonged power outages, and a significant migration of citizens seeking better opportunities.
What measures did Trump implement against Cuba during his first term?
Trump's first term saw the implementation of over 200 measures that tightened restrictions on Cuba, reversing the previous administration's efforts to improve relations.