Manolín, known as El Médico de la Salsa, has expressed a decisive shift in his views regarding the Cuban government. In a recent interview with Tania Costa, he stated that he has lost all hope for reform within the regime and believes the dictatorship must be brought down "at any cost."
Historically critical of the government, Manolín previously held out hope for internal change. However, he now asserts that this option is no longer viable. "I think the end has come. That's what's changed in me. I've always criticized them, but before, I left the door open," he admitted.
His current stance is clear and firm. "It's time to bring down the dictatorship. It's over. We can't expect anything from them. It's proven."
The People's Country
Manuel 'Manolín' González Hernández emphasizes that Cuba doesn't belong to any ruling faction. "The country belongs to everyone. We are not obliged to eternally obey a group that insists on having things their way."
He was emphatic in describing the regime's nature. "They don't respect laws—not even their own. The absurd laws they create, they violate. They override everything and enforce them on you."
Repression's Wide Reach
For Manolín, repression impacts not just the immediate victims but the entire Cuban society. He cited the case of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, a leader of the San Isidro Movement, to illustrate this collective impact. "When you imprison Luis Manuel Alcántara, you're imprisoning me too. Everyone. His family. His friends. What are they thinking?"
In April 2026, the People's Supreme Court of Havana upheld Otero Alcántara's sentence, extending it until July 9, 2026, dismissing an appeal. Amnesty International recognizes him as a prisoner of conscience, and the UN considers his detention arbitrary.
Freedom of Thought
Manolín also rejected the notion that dissent is a crime. "It's criminal to retaliate against someone for their ideas. That's the real crime. Thinking and having ideas is not a crime. It's a fundamental human trait."
He highlighted his personal experience as evidence of this repression. He has been banned in Cuba for 30 years: first from radio and television, then from working as he remained popular despite restrictions, as he mentioned in his interview with CiberCuba.
"That's why I went to Miami. It was an expulsion because I wanted to continue my career, and I couldn't perform in Cuba," he clarified, dispelling the notion that his departure was voluntary.
Some accuse him of being indecisive, remaining "between first and second base" without fully committing. He dismissed this interpretation and reaffirmed that he has always been critical, though with nuances he no longer holds.
His final message to the regime underscores his transformed stance. "You have the obligation to create a country for everyone. Without a country for all, there is no justice. There is no justice in Cuba if the country doesn't belong to all. But I have lost hope. It must be overturned at any cost."
Understanding the Impact of Cuban Repression
What prompted Manolín to change his stance on the Cuban regime?
Manolín's change in stance was prompted by his belief that internal reform within the Cuban regime is no longer possible, leading him to call for its overthrow.
How does Manolín view the ownership of Cuba?
Manolín believes that Cuba belongs to all its people and should not be controlled by a single ruling group that enforces its will on the population.
What example does Manolín use to illustrate the regime's repression?
Manolín uses the imprisonment of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, a leader of the San Isidro Movement, as an example of how the regime's repression affects not only the individual but also their family, friends, and broader society.