Abel Prieto, head of Casa de las Américas and a prominent cultural voice for the Cuban government, took to X on Saturday to endorse the official discourse following the May Day march. He asserted that "in the face of the Empire's threats, against the annexationist chorus, amidst the siege, Cuba remains steadfast."
Prieto's post came shortly after Donald Trump signed a new executive order on Friday, intensifying sanctions on Cuba. The order targets foreign financial entities and freezes assets in sectors like energy, defense, mining, and financial services.
This directive adds to the more than 240 sanctions the Trump administration has imposed since January 2026.
In his message, Prieto echoed Miguel Díaz-Canel, stating, "No aggressor, no matter how powerful, will find surrender in Cuba." He highlighted that over six million Cubans endorsed the "My Signature for the Homeland" campaign before participating in the May Day march.
The regime reported 6,230,973 signatures for this campaign, with Minister Bruno Rodríguez claiming it represents 81% of the population.
However, opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and other activists alleged widespread coercion in workplaces, schools, and Committees for the Defense of the Revolution to secure the signatures, labeling the campaign a "propaganda charade."
Changes in May Day Celebrations
The May Day parade was relocated from the Plaza de la Revolución to the Anti-Imperialist Platform José Martí, near the U.S. Embassy on Havana's Malecón. The official reasoning cited "austerity" amid the "energy blockade."
Attendance was significantly lower compared to previous years, with a heavy security presence and pressure on workers and students to participate.
Raúl Castro, now 94 and visibly frail, presided over the political event and was symbolically presented with two books containing the collected signatures.
Heightened Tensions with the U.S.
Prieto's message comes amid heightened tensions. On Thursday, Trump threatened at a private dinner in West Palm Beach to deploy the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln within 100 meters of Cuban shores to force the regime's surrender, claiming the U.S. would "take Cuba almost immediately."
For months, Prieto has been one of the regime's most vocal supporters on social media. In March, during protests in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, he called on X to "stand united with Díaz-Canel" and insinuated that Israel's Mossad was behind the unrest.
His posts have sparked widespread criticism among Cubans, who point out the disconnect between his rhetoric and the realities of daily life, including power outages lasting 10 to 25 hours, overwhelmed hospitals, and widespread shortages. One user responded in April, "It's more humiliating to die of hunger and live off the work of family in the U.S."
Cuba's Economic Struggles
Cuba is projected to face a 7.2% economic contraction in 2026, with a cumulative GDP decline of 23% since 2019, marking the worst economic crisis on the island in decades.
The energy embargo imposed by Executive Order 14380, signed on January 29, has reduced Cuban oil imports by 80% to 90%, with at least seven tankers intercepted, according to available data.
Frequently Asked Questions on U.S.-Cuba Relations and Sanctions
What was the purpose of Trump's executive order against Cuba?
The executive order aimed to intensify economic pressure on Cuba by expanding sanctions, targeting foreign financial institutions, and freezing assets in critical sectors such as energy and defense.
How has the Cuban government responded to these sanctions?
The Cuban government, through figures like Abel Prieto, has reinforced its rhetoric of resilience, insisting that Cuba remains firm against external pressures and threats.
What impact have U.S. sanctions had on Cuba's economy?
The sanctions have significantly strained Cuba's economy, contributing to a projected economic contraction and exacerbating shortages and infrastructure challenges.