Famed comedian Ulises Toirac took to social media to express his thoughts on activist Amelia Calzadilla's recent announcement regarding the establishment of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party. His remarks touched on the typical reactions to opposition figures and the significance of emerging political initiatives.
On Monday, Calzadilla revealed the creation of the party via her social media platforms. She noted that the oppressive actions of the regime were the catalyst for her decision. "I learned the hard way that Castro's propaganda doesn't spare the honest. Their relentless threats, slander, and harassment pushed me into becoming an activist and opposition figure," wrote Calzadilla, who has been residing in Madrid since November 2023.
Toirac, a highly followed voice within Cuba, acknowledged in his post that Calzadilla's undertaking addresses a genuine need among opposition circles: "the establishment of a platform with a program."
Challenges Facing New Political Initiatives
Simultaneously, he cautioned that "the future might be foggier than London at its murkiest," highlighting the significant challenges any opposition political project faces against the dictatorship.
The comedian also commented on the wave of criticism that often targets any opposition figure gaining visibility. He likened this to the "electric shock assemblies" found in Cuban workplaces: "It turns into a mess and a brawl worthy of a movie," he wrote, using an ironic metaphor for the organized collective harassment.
He ended his commentary with a direct jab at the regime: "What's ironic is that 'the revolution prepared her so well,'" sarcastically referring to how the regime's own harassment molded Calzadilla into an opposition leader and now a party founder.
Ulises Toirac's Uncharacteristic Support
Toirac's stance is particularly noteworthy given his usual position of neutrality. "Neither with the Indians nor the cowboys… I'm with the Cubans," he stated in February of this year. His decision to publicly support Calzadilla's project, albeit with reservations, is no small gesture.
The immediate context is also significant: just days prior, Toirac had reported physical surveillance and coordinated attacks by the State Security due to his social media activities. He has also previously been summoned by the authorities.
The Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party identifies itself as Liberal Center-Right, championing the slogan "Justice, Dignity, and Prosperity," and is founded on Marti's humanist ideology and free-market policies. Calzadilla, who lived in Cuba for 32 years before going into exile, is a member of the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba and coordinates programs for the organization Citizenship and Freedom.
In the weeks leading up to the party's founding, Calzadilla ramped up her international activism: she visited the European Parliament to call for sanctions against the regime and the suspension of the EU-Cuba agreement, met with María Corina Machado alongside other Cuban activists, and proposed a "surgical operation" for Cuba similar to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
Calzadilla concluded her announcement with a vow summing up her mission: "I will return to Cuba to invest everything I have and am on the day it is Free."
Insights into the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party
What motivated Amelia Calzadilla to establish the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party?
Amelia Calzadilla was driven to form the party due to the relentless threats, slander, and harassment she faced from the regime, which propelled her into activism and opposition.
How did Ulises Toirac respond to the announcement of the new party?
Ulises Toirac expressed support for the initiative, acknowledging its necessity, but also warned of the substantial challenges ahead for any opposition political endeavor in Cuba.
What is the foundational philosophy of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party?
The party is grounded in Marti's humanist ideology and free-market principles, positioning itself as Liberal Center-Right with a focus on justice, dignity, and prosperity.