In an exclusive interview with CiberCuba, Cuban lawyer and former TV host, María Victoria Gil Fernández, openly stated that her brother, former Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández, lacked the proper qualifications to manage the country's economy.
When asked about her brother's abilities to hold the position, Vicky Gil was unequivocal:
"Absolutely not. My brother is a marine transport engineer... he is not an economist fit to handle the economy of a nation like Cuba."
Gil elaborated that although her brother earned a doctorate in economics, it was largely a formal credential orchestrated by the upper echelons of power:
"My brother completed a thesis and a doctorate in economics. And who was his advisor? Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez," she noted, emphasizing the ideological and transactional nature of the degree.
According to her, Alejandro Gil took on responsibilities without adequate knowledge, and the mistakes he made as minister stemmed directly from this lack of preparation:
"With limited knowledge and within a system like ours, I believe my brother acted more out of ignorance and inability, and more by omission."
The most telling example was the implementation of economic restructuring during the pandemic, a move which, according to her, was both untimely and destructive.
"Who would think of enacting economic restructuring when the world was engulfed in a pandemic, and the economy was devastated?" she questioned.
Holding a Minister Accountable Amidst National Crisis
Beyond technicalities, María Victoria Gil offered a deeply critical view of the economic policies her brother enforced. She did not mince words: she held him accountable for the suffering of the Cuban people.
"My brother is responsible for the misery of the Cuban people, for the inflation, for the sadness, the hopelessness, the desolation," she declared.
She described present-day Cuba as a nation without dreams, where people give away their homes to emigrate, and where silence has replaced joy:
"He is to blame for the absence of children, people, happiness, and hope on Cuba's streets."
Despite her harsh words, Gil maintained that her criticism was born not from resentment, but from a love for truth and her country:
"I apologize to the people of Cuba for the blood I share with Alejandro Gil... my brother is very important to me, I love him dearly, but above all is my country."
Demanding Accountability Without Scapegoating
On the judicial front, she was clear: her brother must answer for the mistakes made during his term. However, she firmly rejected the idea of him bearing the entire blame in a system where decisions are not made individually:
"I am not against my brother paying for his mistakes and for the economic blunders he may have committed," she stated.
But she warned: "No one can tell me that a person in Cuba can make a decision independently, without consultation. Government measures in our country pass through a filter, and without the approval and signature of Raúl Castro Ruz and his cunning group, they do not come to light."
She thus highlighted the power hierarchy within the Cuban regime, where significant decisions require the approval of top leadership, not just one official.
Family Strain and Legal Uncertainty
María Victoria shared previously undisclosed details about her brother's current situation. Alejandro Gil has been detained since March 7, 2024, a month after he was dismissed as minister.
The family, through his niece, can only visit him for 15 minutes every two weeks under strict security conditions. He has lost 50 pounds, all his hair in one year, and is held in a maximum-security prison.
She also voiced her confusion over the severe charges against him, including espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and forgery of public documents.
The prosecution has requested a life sentence, and the case has been brought before the Supreme People's Court, with the trial expected before year's end.
Though she was firm about his economic missteps, Gil expressed doubt regarding the espionage charge: "I don't see him as capable. My brother is very noble."
She also criticized the secrecy surrounding the process. She learned of his arrest only when Cuban television aired the news. Since then, she has felt the family's isolation, even losing contact with her niece for months, in an atmosphere of fear and silence.
A Call for Truth and Justice
María Victoria Gil concluded her remarks by demanding transparency, due process, and shared responsibility. She insisted that her brother should be held accountable, but not used as a "scapegoat" to shield other responsible parties from the Cuban economic disaster.
Understanding the Legal Challenges Facing Alejandro Gil
What are the charges against Alejandro Gil Fernández?
Alejandro Gil faces charges of espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and forgery of public documents, among others.
Why does María Victoria Gil criticize her brother's role as Minister?
María Victoria Gil argues that her brother lacked the necessary qualifications and knowledge to manage Cuba's economy effectively, leading to significant mistakes during his tenure.
How has the detention of Alejandro Gil affected his family?
His family can only visit him briefly every two weeks under high security. The situation has caused isolation and fear, with the family learning of his arrest through television.
What does María Victoria Gil demand regarding her brother's trial?
She demands transparency, due process, and that her brother not be made a scapegoat to protect other officials responsible for Cuba's economic issues.