While attending the Security Conference in Germany, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a strong critique against the leadership in Havana. He focused his remarks on the severe economic decline in Cuba and the government's refusal to implement necessary structural reforms.
Rubio characterized the current crisis as a direct result of an outdated political and economic model. He asserted that the primary barrier to progress is the regime's relentless pursuit of absolute control over all strategic sectors.
"The core issue in Cuba is the absence of a functioning economy. The individuals in charge lack the capability to improve the everyday lives of their citizens without relinquishing control over the sectors they dominate," he stated, according to European sources.
The official highlighted the ruling elite's dilemma: either open up avenues for economic growth or persist in wielding hegemonic power, which has led to systemic stagnation. "They want to control everything; they don't want the Cuban people to control anything," he emphasized.
Rubio noted that even when presented with opportunities for change, the regime seems unable or unwilling to grasp or accept them. "They would rather preside over a dying country than allow it to flourish," he declared in a stark critique aimed at the Cuban leadership.
The Secretary of State linked this stance to decades of failed policies, strict controls, and a lack of economic freedoms that have collectively trapped Cuba in a state of permanent crisis. He pointed out that the government's refusal to allow private sector growth, ease investment restrictions, or genuinely open up the internal market has worsened the precariousness, now exacerbated by fuel shortages, prolonged power outages, and serious challenges in maintaining basic services.
"The Cuban political and economic system is broken," he reiterated, underlining that no progress will be possible as long as the authorities cling to power.
A Message in Line with Washington's Strategy
Rubio has been a persistent advocate within the Trump administration for increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on Havana. His assessment of the Cuban system is unequivocal: it is a "regime disaster" responsible for social deterioration, mass emigration, and the supply crisis affecting millions of citizens.
The Cuban-American also extended his criticism to the regional context, highlighting that, in his view, the governments of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua are driving forces behind severe migratory crises in the hemisphere. "These are countries with non-functional systems," he said, referring to the autocracies that "create conditions pushing thousands of citizens to abandon their homes."
At a time when the island is experiencing one of the worst economic conditions in its history, the U.S. Secretary of State's statements directly target the root of the stagnation: a model that, according to him, prioritizes maintaining political power even at the expense of the country's viability.
Understanding Marco Rubio's Critique of Cuba
What was the main focus of Marco Rubio's criticism against the Cuban regime?
Marco Rubio focused on the severe economic decline in Cuba and the government's resistance to implementing necessary structural reforms.
How does Rubio describe the Cuban political and economic model?
Rubio describes it as an outdated and broken system that prioritizes maintaining political power over economic viability, leading to systemic stagnation.
How does the Cuban regime's stance affect the country's economic situation according to Rubio?
According to Rubio, the regime's refusal to allow private sector growth and ease investment restrictions worsens the economic precariousness, leading to shortages and systemic challenges.