A recent piece in Cubadebate addressing comments made by Marco Rubio, a prominent United States senator, has sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms. Many Cubans have voiced skepticism towards the state-run outlet's stance. The original article, which was a Facebook post by Orestes Hernández Hernández, an employee at Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), rebukes Rubio's statements during an interview with Fox News.
Rubio, a Cuban-American, stirred controversy by stating, “I have no intention of going to Havana with this regime in power, except to discuss when they are leaving.” His remarks drew ire from Havana's communists. However, Cubadebate and Hernández Hernández have faced strong reactions from numerous Cubans who are critical of the communist government for denouncing the politician while gladly accepting remittances and dollars from the U.S.
One user commented, “They don’t want him, but they sure want the remittances,” capturing the sentiment of many who highlighted the island's economic dependency. Another remarked wryly, “The communists dislike Marco Rubio, but they go crazy for the American dollar.”
Questions of Freedom and Economic Struggles
The debate also touched on the lack of freedoms within Cuba. A comment pointedly said, “We don’t want you and your criminal leaders either, yet you don’t leave,” while another urged Cubadebate to conduct a survey to gauge the true public opinion on the matter. Criticisms also targeted living conditions in Cuba: “They don’t want him, just as they don’t want to listen to the people, their voice, their demands, their desires to change everything and advance a country that was once a NATION,” lamented another island resident.
The responses reveal the dissatisfaction among a segment of the population, not only challenging the official media's perspective but also questioning the Cuban government's priorities amid the ongoing economic and social crisis on the island.
Marco Rubio: A Staunch Opponent of Dictatorships
Marco Rubio, the first Cuban-American to lead U.S. diplomacy, has consistently taken a firm stance against the Cuban government. In 2016, during his presidential campaign, he asserted that he would never visit Cuba without a regime change, a position he continues to uphold in his current role in the U.S. government.
Recently, while visiting Costa Rica, he held Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela accountable for the migratory crisis in the hemisphere, labeling their governments as “enemies of humanity.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Marco Rubio and Cuba
What was Marco Rubio's statement that caused controversy?
Marco Rubio stated that he has no intention of visiting Havana with the current regime in power, except to discuss their departure, which angered Havana's communists.
Why are Cubans critical of their government's stance on Marco Rubio?
Cubans are critical because the government denounces Marco Rubio while eagerly accepting remittances and dollars from the U.S., highlighting the economic dependency on the island.
How has Marco Rubio addressed the migratory crisis in the hemisphere?
During a visit to Costa Rica, Marco Rubio attributed the migratory crisis in the hemisphere to Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, calling their governments "enemies of humanity."