Dominican Republic's President, Luis Abinader, has openly stated that Cuba is "clearly not a democratic state" and believes the Cuban regime acknowledges the necessity for transformation.
In an interview with Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann for Infobae's "América Habla," conducted at the National Palace in Santo Domingo, Abinader shared his insights.
When Feinmann directly inquired if Cuba is a dictatorship, Abinader chose to avoid the term, instead repeating his stance: "It is not a democratic state. They have their election process, but it is not democratic."
Envisioning Change in Cuba's Future
The Dominican leader expressed cautious optimism regarding the regime's future. He noted, "They have a system, a revolution, and I believe they are starting to realize the need for change, and they are moving in that direction."
Regarding U.S. sanctions, Abinader maintained a pragmatic approach. "Cuba must undergo reform and democratization. Whatever works to facilitate this process should be pursued," he stated, neither supporting nor opposing the embargo outright.
Aligning with the U.S. and Addressing Venezuelan Elections
Abinader emphasized the strategic alignment of his country with the United States. When asked about his alliance, his response was unequivocal: "Totally."
During the same interview, Abinader condemned electoral fraud in Venezuela, recalling his consistent stance from the outset. "I was one of the strongest opponents of the election theft that occurred in 2024. At my inauguration, I was firm in stating that we would fight for democracy in Venezuela. Clearly, the Maduro government stole the elections," he asserted.
This position aligns with the Dominican Republic's refusal to recognize Maduro's legitimacy following the July 2024 elections. Abinader has consistently affirmed that his nation "will always stand for democracy, anywhere, anytime, and against anyone."
International Pressure and Regional Dynamics
These remarks come amid heightened international pressure on Havana. In March, Abinader participated in the "Shield of the Americas" summit convened by Trump in Miami, where 12 Latin American leaders formed a coalition explicitly opposing the influence of Cuba, China, and Iran in the region.
During the summit, Trump predicted a new era for Cuba, stating that the regime is experiencing its "final moments." Additionally, four heads of state personally urged him to address the situation in Cuba, to which the U.S. president responded that he "would take care of it."
The Cuban regime, meanwhile, has attempted to portray certain economic measures as signs of openness. However, analysts view the reforms announced by Díaz-Canel as insufficient to tackle the island's structural crisis.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla labeled the Miami summit as "reactionary" and "neocolonial," representing Havana's official response to the intensifying diplomatic pressure.
Understanding the Debate on Cuba's Political Future
Why does President Abinader believe Cuba needs to change?
President Abinader believes Cuba needs to change because it is currently not a democratic state. He thinks that the regime itself is beginning to understand the necessity of transformation.
How does Abinader view U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
Abinader takes a pragmatic stance on U.S. sanctions, stating that any measures that help bring about reform and democratization in Cuba should be pursued, without explicitly supporting or opposing the embargo.
What has been Abinader's position on Venezuela's elections?
Abinader has been a strong opponent of the electoral fraud in Venezuela, particularly the 2024 elections under Nicolás Maduro, which he believes were stolen. He has consistently supported democracy in Venezuela.