Irene Montero, former Spanish Minister of Equality and current Member of the European Parliament, is currently visiting Cuba where she recently held discussions with Miguel Díaz-Canel, the island's leader. According to a report from the Cuban Presidency, their meeting covered topics such as gender equality, bilateral cooperation, and social policies within Cuba's governmental agenda.
Montero, who was a part of Pedro Sánchez's coalition government and is a prominent figure in the Podemos party, reiterated her support for the Cuban government, emphasizing the need to strengthen ties between Spain and Cuba. She highlighted the importance of advancing feminist policies and protecting social progress in the face of what she described as the "rise of the far right."
Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude for Montero's visit and praised her support for the Cuban Revolution. Both leaders also delved into discussions about the international climate and the economic sanctions imposed on Cuba. Montero's trip, which aligns with the VI International Conference for World Balance, has sparked various reactions within Spanish political circles, with some opposition sectors criticizing her closeness to the Cuban regime, while her supporters underline the significance of cooperation and dialogue with Latin America.
During her stay, the MEP also met with officials from the National Assembly of People's Power. Montero, a psychology graduate, began her political journey in the student movement before joining Podemos, where she played a pivotal role as a spokesperson in Spain's Congress of Deputies and later served as a minister.
From a broader political standpoint, Montero aligns with a transformative left, critical of capitalism and supportive of alliances with progressive governments in Latin America. She has consistently voiced her backing for political processes in the region, such as those led by former President Evo Morales in Bolivia, Gustavo Petro in Colombia, and the Kirchnerist movement in Argentina.
Podemos, the party Montero represents, has maintained a stance sympathetic to the Cuban government, viewing it as part of a coalition of nations resisting U.S. influence. Like other members of her party, Montero has refrained from labeling the Cuban government as a dictatorship and has defended the island's sovereignty in the face of international sanctions and blockades.
Understanding Irene Montero's Visit to Cuba
What were the main topics discussed during Montero's meeting with Díaz-Canel?
The meeting covered gender equality, bilateral cooperation, and social policies as part of Cuba's governmental agenda.
Why has Montero's visit to Cuba sparked political reactions in Spain?
Her visit has triggered responses due to her perceived closeness to the Cuban regime, with critics and supporters debating the importance of cooperation with Latin America.
How does Montero's political stance influence her international alliances?
Montero's transformative left ideology leads her to form alliances with progressive governments in Latin America, which are often critical of capitalism.
What is Podemos' position regarding the Cuban government?
Podemos takes a sympathetic stance towards the Cuban government, viewing it as part of a bloc resisting U.S. influence, and avoids labeling it a dictatorship.