Lech Walesa has encouraged Cubans to seize the political opportunity presented by Donald Trump's presidency, while cautioning that the U.S. president will not directly deliver freedom to them.
The former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient suggested on Thursday in Miami that Cubans residing in Florida should "take advantage" of President Trump's leadership to facilitate change on the island. He warned, however, that Trump himself "will not bring them freedom," according to EFE reports.
“You need to capitalize on Trump because he is moving in the right direction, but remember, he is pursuing American interests, not Cuban ones. Therefore, you need to be ready for these interests to align,” Walesa responded to an EFE inquiry at the Cuban Diaspora Museum.
Drawing parallels between Cuba's current situation and Poland's past, the Polish leader recounted how his movement "capitalized" on the presence of a Polish pope, John Paul II, to end communist rule in 1989.
“Cuba is in a similar position. Trump is in power, but the real question is how to use his presidency to your advantage because he won't directly bring freedom. You must leverage Trump to secure your own freedom,” he stated.
During the event, the Cuban Diaspora Museum, the Cuban Resistance Assembly, and other exile organizations recognized Walesa as the inaugural "Ambassador of Freedom in Cuba." They believe that the collapse of the regime is more imminent than ever due to the policies of Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to EFE, Washington has intensified pressure on Havana following interventions in Venezuela, which led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies to the island, and the declaration of a "national emergency" to sanction countries supplying oil to Cuba.
Walesa, at 82, also warned that while the prospect of a swift victory exists, post-liberation challenges, such as the threat of a civil war, could emerge.
“So I wish you freedom and, sincerely, I ask you to let me join your victory parade in Cuba. Hurry up,” he urged.
The former president also disclosed that he recently spoke with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, remarking that, in his view, she awarded her Nobel Prize to Trump "too quickly and easily."
He vowed to continue his involvement in the struggle for freedom in Venezuela, Cuba, and other nations.
Lech Walesa's Perspective on Cuban Freedom
Why does Lech Walesa believe Cubans should take advantage of Donald Trump's presidency?
Lech Walesa believes that Trump's presidency presents a unique political opportunity for Cubans to push for change. He suggests that while Trump pursues American interests, there is a chance to align these with Cuban interests for potential freedom.
What warning does Walesa give about the aftermath of achieving freedom?
Walesa cautions that after achieving freedom, Cuba could face challenges such as the risk of a civil war. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the complexities that follow a regime change.