Cuban journalist Ana Teresa Badía has strongly criticized the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Alejandro Gil Fernández, describing him as "deceptive, despicable, and traitorous" after he was charged with serious offenses. Badía has called for clarity on how his work was overseen within the government.
Recently, an uninformative announcement by the General Prosecutor's Office, reported through official channels, stated that Gil has been charged with crimes including espionage, embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, tax evasion, and influence peddling.
The statement indicated that the investigation was managed by the Ministry of the Interior, and "prison sentences" have been requested for those accused, in accordance with the committed acts.
Reacting to the news on her Facebook page, Badía expressed her anger, not only condemning the official but also questioning how his performance was monitored. She emphasized, "How was his work controlled and evaluated?" This comes after Gil exchanged public messages of congratulations and gratitude with President Miguel Díaz-Canel just four days after his dismissal in February 2024.
Badía has also demanded that the identities of others involved in the case be revealed and that the trial be broadcast publicly for the sake of "informational transparency."
"This entire process must serve as an example, especially in a context where the corruption of public officials is increasingly rampant," she added.
The journalist also criticized Gil's rhetoric, which often blamed the Cuban populace for the nation's economic woes. "With his mocking and blatant lies... the blame was always on the people, who needed to be shouted at," she wrote.
Joining the criticism, former diplomat and political analyst Carlos Alzugaray supported Badía's statements on social media, noting the political timing of the accusation's disclosure.
"It's quite striking that after months of absolute secrecy, this extensive but uninformative note from the Prosecutor's Office is released," Alzugaray remarked.
He suggested that the timing of the revelation might be politically motivated, anticipating the upcoming Communist Party Congress in April 2026, where leaders will need to "explain to delegates what happened and seek support for leadership renewal, starting with the president and first secretary, and including the vice president, prime minister, and other high-ranking officials."
The joint statements from both an official journalist and a former diplomat indicate an unusual level of internal criticism concerning a case that questions the oversight and transparency at the highest levels of Cuban power.
Additionally, Cuban actor Luis Alberto García responded with irony to the official announcement regarding the former Deputy Prime Minister, suggesting he will be tried for a list of offenses reminiscent of high-level corruption novels.
"That man would have to be 'very Gil' to try to present himself as the only rotten apple in the bunch," García mocked.
The case of Alejandro Gil Fernández, once considered one of President Miguel Díaz-Canel's most trusted men, highlights a new chapter in the ongoing crisis of credibility facing Cuba's top leadership amid an unprecedented economic decline.
Key Questions on Alejandro Gil Fernández's Case
What charges are Alejandro Gil Fernández facing?
Alejandro Gil Fernández is facing charges of espionage, embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, tax evasion, and influence peddling.
What is Ana Teresa Badía's stance on Gil's case?
Ana Teresa Badía has criticized Gil as "deceptive, despicable, and traitorous" and has called for transparency in how his work was supervised and the names of other implicated individuals.
Why is the timing of the accusation significant?
The timing is notable as it coincides with political strategies ahead of the Communist Party Congress in April 2026, where leadership renewal will be discussed.