Cuban Leader Claims State Security is Globally Revered

Is it admiration or fear? Miguel Díaz-Canel has stirred controversy once again with a speech filled with revolutionary fervor and self-congratulation, declaring that Cuba's State Security agencies are "efficient," "respected," and even "envied" worldwide. Delivered at the Palace of the Revolution and broadcast on the official podcast, *Desde La Presidencia*, his remarks have been met with disbelief, mockery, and rejection both on and off the island.

During a meeting on March 26 with officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), Díaz-Canel showered praise on the repressive apparatus that has upheld the regime for over six decades. "We are no longer novices, no longer naive; we are a security force you can rely on in any confrontation," he declared solemnly.

He further asserted that State Security is not only effective but serves as a "global benchmark." "They are a reference point, as the world speaks of them with immense admiration, and even enemies have to acknowledge the efficiency of our State Security organs," he claimed.

In his speech, Díaz-Canel also exalted the origins of this social control machinery, attributing it a near-philosophical nature: "There is a whole conceptualization of State Security unique to our country," he stated, highlighting the "contribution" of dictator Fidel Castro and his retired brother, General Raúl Castro, in its design. According to Díaz-Canel, it is a "bastion" of the Revolution that should fill all Cubans with pride.

The speech reached its most dramatic point when he invoked a classic argument of Castroism to justify the existence of such an apparatus: the numerous assassination attempts against Fidel Castro. "Cuban Security has protected the Commander-in-Chief from over 600 planned assassination attempts by a powerful country (...) and the fact that none have succeeded is proof enough of its effectiveness," he stated.

Going further, Díaz-Canel compared the Cuban system to the United States, labeling it an "empire" devoid of principles. "You are exceptional witnesses to how the empire operates: not through ideas, honor, or shame, but through bribery, corruption, and money, appealing to the basest instincts of human beings (...) They have bought traitors, but what they can never buy with all the gold in the world is the resolve of men and women like you," he expressed in a highly ideological tone.

He concluded the meeting by saying, "Few words are needed to express our appreciation for your mission accomplished," reaffirming his total support for those in MININT uniforms who have spent years infiltrating, surveilling, and punishing anyone daring to dissent.

Organizations like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Cuban non-governmental organizations have repeatedly denounced Cuban State Security for its role in the repression of the July 11 protests, persecution of independent journalists, and arbitrary detentions. Nevertheless, the regime continues to cloak this repressive structure in a veil of heroism and revolutionary loyalty.

Social media erupted following the speech: "It's not resolve, it's fear that they have sown in the people. And that's not to be admired, it's to be denounced," commented one user.