A Cuban government official has publicly expressed apprehension about the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, highlighting the adverse effects it could have on the island's already fragile economy. The remarks were made by Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba's deputy foreign minister, during a dialogue forum on Havana-Washington relations, marking the tenth anniversary of the so-called thaw between the two nations.
Quoted by the Efe agency, Fernández de Cossío emphasized the concern over "the impact it could have on our economy, particularly the effect on the population's living standards due to increased U.S. hostility, which has proven to be very powerful and destructively effective." He noted that the most dire scenario in Cuba-U.S. relations under a new Trump administration is being driven by some Cuban exiles in Florida, though he believes that, generally, it is "not of interest" to the average American citizen.
Despite the challenges, the deputy foreign minister expressed optimism about the future. "We know we will endure. In four years, the Trump administration will end, and Cuba, socialist Cuba, will still be here," he stated, aligning with Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, who recently affirmed that while this outcome was anticipated, the country is prepared to face it.
Fernández de Cossío also commented on the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden, lamenting its continuation of the majority of the measures implemented by Trump during his first term. "The U.S. knows that Cuba does not sponsor terrorism. But they are also well aware of the damage they can inflict by keeping us on the list, and that is their intended goal," he asserted.
During his initial term, Trump significantly tightened sanctions on Cuba, enacting over 240 restrictive measures that impacted crucial sectors of the Cuban economy, such as tourism, remittances, and trade.
Reflecting on the thaw, which was announced ten years ago by Presidents Barack Obama and Raúl Castro, Fernández de Cossío stated, "Cuba fulfilled all its commitments, as our goal was progress. The U.S. government failed to meet almost all of theirs. So, it's hard to claim that Cuba was the uncooperative one when that happened."
The deputy foreign minister's comments came a day after U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols told Martí Noticias that it was a "missed opportunity," criticizing the Cuban regime for the lack of significant progress in human rights and democratic reforms.
Potential Impacts of Trump's Return on Cuba's Economy
What concerns does the Cuban government have about Trump's potential return?
The Cuban government is worried about the negative effects a Trump presidency could have on Cuba's economy, particularly the potential for increased U.S. hostility to worsen living standards on the island.
How did Trump impact Cuba during his first term?
During his first term, Trump imposed over 240 restrictive measures that affected key sectors of the Cuban economy, including tourism, remittances, and trade.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the Biden administration?
The Cuban government has expressed disappointment in the Biden administration for maintaining many of the measures introduced by Trump, which they believe continue to harm Cuba.