Alejandra Franganillo, a political analyst of Cuban heritage and former intern under then-Senator Marco Rubio, who is now Secretary of State, shared a provocative viewpoint in an interview with Tania Costa on CiberCuba. She argues that any move towards democracy in Cuba should not automatically exclude those who supported or were part of the Castro regime, provided they have not committed crimes.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico to a Cuban family and a member of the Cuba Study Group in Washington D.C., Franganillo laid out a step-by-step plan for change on the island: first, achieving economic stabilization, followed by building a civil society that evolves into institutions, and only then embarking on a formal democratic transition.
"It's not merely about economic recovery; rather, it's about using economic stability as a stepping stone to create a civil society, which then transforms into institutions. Only after establishing these foundations—culture, knowledge—can we discuss a democratic transition," she stated.
When asked if this process could occur with the Castro regime still in place, she was unequivocal: "This path to stabilization and recovery can happen with or without the Castros or the Castroism, as it may involve others from that regime."
To support her position, she pointed to Chile, where the current constitution originates from Pinochet's era, containing "unfortunately some guarantees for oppressors," yet the country successfully transitioned to democracy.
"In Chile, there are still people and structures supporting Pinochet. In Cuba, there will be those who continue to support the revolution," she noted, concluding, "Democracy requires the inclusion of all, even those with whom we disagree."
However, Franganillo drew a clear line between sympathizers and oppressors. "To achieve a true transition, those who inflicted harm, committed atrocities, must face justice," she asserted.
Truth and Reconciliation Approach
As a model of justice, she recommended truth commissions, citing Colombia's experience. "It's crucial to preserve historical memory; there should be truth commissions like Colombia's," she emphasized.
Franganillo highlighted the necessity of assurances for those who have endured regime repression. "There must be guarantees and peace for everyone who has suffered, especially political prisoners who have spent 5, 10, 15 years or more in such conditions simply for thinking differently," she declared.
Her distinction separates active oppressors—who must face the law—from those who were merely Communist Party members or revolution sympathizers without criminal actions, whom she sees as integrable into a democratic Cuba.
Her remarks come amid intense pressure from the Trump-Rubio administration on the Cuban regime. Recently, Rubio announced sanctions against 12 Cuban officials and seven military and security entities, including GAESA, adding to the dozens of sanctions imposed since January 2025.
Franganillo, who interned in Rubio’s office during his Senate tenure, offers a nuanced perspective from within that political sphere on how post-Castro Cuba should be built: with trials for oppressors, yet not excluding those who simply believed in the revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Potential Democratic Transition
What is Alejandra Franganillo's stance on including Castro supporters in Cuba's democratic transition?
Franganillo believes that those who supported the Castro regime should not be automatically excluded from a democratic transition, as long as they have not committed crimes.
What steps does Franganillo propose for Cuba's transition to democracy?
She suggests a sequence starting with economic stabilization, followed by the development of a civil society that evolves into institutions, leading to a formal democratic transition.
How does Franganillo suggest dealing with those who committed crimes during the Castro regime?
Franganillo insists that individuals who committed atrocities must face justice, possibly through mechanisms like truth commissions.