While many Cubans today proudly hold Spanish passports due to the "Grandchildren's Law," few are aware that over a century ago, Spain had a leader who hailed from Cuba.
The individual in question is Dámaso Berenguer Fusté, who was born on August 4, 1873, in San Juan de los Remedios, Villa Clara.
Berenguer was a prominent military figure and politician. He rose to prominence in Morocco, where he established the Indigenous Regular Forces and was granted the title Count of Xauen by King Alfonso XIII.
In the period between 1930 and 1931, Berenguer served as the President of the Council of Ministers during the "Soft Dictatorship"—an unsuccessful attempt to restore the monarchy following the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera.
His administration came to an end amidst a political crisis that paved the way for the Second Spanish Republic. After his political career, he faced imprisonment, penned his memoirs, and eventually passed away in Madrid in 1953.
Content creator @soylagiso_photograph brought Berenguer's story into the spotlight with a viral TikTok video, drawing parallels between his life and the journey of modern Cubans who become Spanish citizens.
Exploring the Legacy of Dámaso Berenguer Fusté
Who was Dámaso Berenguer Fusté?
Dámaso Berenguer Fusté was a Cuban-born Spanish military leader and politician who served as the President of the Council of Ministers from 1930 to 1931.
What was the "Soft Dictatorship"?
The "Soft Dictatorship" refers to the period when Dámaso Berenguer Fusté attempted to restore the Spanish monarchy after the fall of Primo de Rivera's dictatorship, although it ultimately failed.