CubaHeadlines

Ministry of Interior Officer Claims "Majority Support" for the Revolution in an Impoverished, Freedom-Lacking Cuba

Sunday, January 18, 2026 by Henry Cruz

On Friday, an officer from Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (Minint) declared that the Cuban populace predominantly supports the Revolution and its leaders, citing the public's response during the funeral ceremonies for the 32 combatants lost in the U.S. military operation in Venezuela.

The remarks were made during a televised broadcast covering the tributes to the fallen officers of the Minint and the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) in Havana.

In the state-run television segment, the official stated that the reaction of Havana's residents sends "a clear message" to the United States and opponents of the regime, emphasizing that "no one surrenders" in Cuba and that there is widespread backing for the revolution, its leaders, and state institutions.

The statement was delivered at a ceremony led by the head of state, Miguel Díaz-Canel, alongside high-ranking officials from the FAR and Minint, at the Colón Cemetery.

According to official rhetoric, the massive farewell on the 15th, held at the Sierra Maestra building, the FAR headquarters, demonstrated unity, determination, and revolutionary commitment in the face of what the government describes as external aggression.

The officer's speech aligns with findings released in December by the Center for Sociopolitical and Opinion Studies (CESPO), an entity associated with the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), which claimed that most Cubans support the so-called Revolution and its leaders despite the economic and social hardships.

These conclusions were presented to the IX Plenum of the PCC Central Committee as proof of political legitimacy.

Contradicting Perspectives: Inside and Outside Cuba

However, this official narrative sharply contrasts with numerous independent surveys and the country's everyday reality marked by inflation, power outages, shortages, the deterioration of public services, an unprecedented wave of emigration, and censorship and repression of dissent.

Polls conducted by CiberCuba show overwhelming disapproval of Díaz-Canel's administration and strong support for a change in the political system.

Recently, a survey published by our editorial team indicated that a majority, 62%, of participants believe the Cuban regime might fall by 2026, amid the regional climate following U.S. military actions to capture Nicolás Maduro.

Moreover, in September 2025, another study conducted by CiberCuba among its social media followers revealed that a vast majority, 95%, would support a change in the Cuban political system, which the Constitution declares "socialist" in perpetuity.

While the state apparatus continues to project an image of unity and popular support, broad segments of society experience impoverishment, frustration, and a lack of prospects.

In this context, official events and declarations reinforce a narrative of resistance and majority endorsement that many Cubans perceive as disconnected from their daily lives.

Understanding the Disparity Between Official Narratives and Public Sentiment in Cuba

What is the official stance on public support for the Cuban Revolution?

The official stance, as presented by the Ministry of the Interior and the Center for Sociopolitical and Opinion Studies, suggests that a majority of Cubans support the Revolution and its leaders despite economic and social challenges.

How do independent surveys contrast with the official narrative in Cuba?

Independent surveys, such as those conducted by CiberCuba, indicate significant disapproval of the current administration and a strong desire for political change, contrasting sharply with the official narrative of widespread support.

What challenges are currently faced by Cuban society?

Cuban society is currently grappling with challenges such as inflation, power outages, shortages, deteriorating public services, massive emigration, and repression of dissent.

© CubaHeadlines 2026