The Cuban-American Republican congresswoman, María Elvira Salazar, took to her X account to vehemently oppose any negotiations with the Cuban regime unless aimed at a complete transition to democracy.
"Negotiating with the Castros or this regime is off the table. The only discussions should focus on transitioning towards democracy, freedom, and the human rights that the Cuban people deserve," stated the Florida legislator.
Salazar clearly rejected the so-called "Chinese model," which suggests economic opening while maintaining the one-party political control, as a solution for Cuba.
"Don't count on me if the aim is to uphold the Chinese model, where political control is retained while the economy is handed to the masses and entrepreneurs. That scenario is not viable," she warned.
The congresswoman also emphasized that certain individuals will have no place in any scenario she supports.
"There’s no room for perpetuating the Castros or their cronies, or for those involved in oppressive activities like at Villamarista. Count me out," she stressed.
Salazar outlined the necessity for an orderly process involving "Nuremberg-style trials" and accountability, without bloodshed or civil war.
"The only path forward for Cuba is a transition to democracy," she reiterated in her post, emphasizing freedom and human rights for the Cuban people.
Her remarks hold particular significance as the regime announced economic measures for Cubans abroad—such as participation in private enterprises, usufruct land rights, and foreign currency bank accounts—presented by Vice Prime Minister Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, a relative of Fidel and Raúl Castro.
These statements by María Elvira also arrive at a time of heightened diplomatic tension, with confirmed contacts between Washington and Havana.
Former President Donald Trump himself acknowledged these contacts, labeling Cuba as a "failed nation" and expressed his aspiration to "take" Cuba.
"I believe I will have the honor to take Cuba. Take Cuba. I mean, if I liberate it, I take it. I think I can do whatever I want with it," the former U.S. President remarked.
Other Cuban-American Congress Members' Stance On March 11, Salazar and fellow congressman Mario Díaz-Balart jointly declared that any U.S.-Cuba negotiations must include the complete exit of the Castro family from power.
"We cannot leave any Castro in power; if there's any discussion with a Castro, it’s about when and how they will leave, not for anyone to stay," Salazar stated at that time.
Díaz-Balart similarly emphasized: "There’s no confusion here: everyone knows who controls this regime; this regime must disappear; there are no negotiations to sustain this regime or give it life support."
The backdrop for these declarations is a Cuba teetering on the brink of collapse.
The nation faces a projected GDP contraction of -7.2% in 2026, prolonged blackouts, and widespread shortages exacerbated by the cutback of Venezuelan oil supplies.
The regime announced the release of 51 political prisoners as a gesture towards Washington, but Prisoners Defenders reports 1,214 political prisoners on the island, with 28 new arrests documented just in February.
Key Questions on U.S.-Cuba Relations and Regime Negotiations
Why does María Elvira Salazar oppose negotiations with the Cuban regime?
María Elvira Salazar opposes negotiations with the Cuban regime unless they focus on a full transition to democracy, emphasizing the need for freedom and human rights for the Cuban people.
What is the "Chinese model" and why does Salazar reject it?
The "Chinese model" refers to economic opening with political control retained by a single party. Salazar rejects it as a solution for Cuba, advocating instead for genuine democratic reforms.
What recent measures has the Cuban regime announced in relation to economic changes?
The regime announced economic measures allowing Cubans abroad to participate in private enterprises, have usufruct land rights, and hold foreign currency bank accounts, though these come amid wider diplomatic tensions.