A group of Cubans living in Barcelona and other parts of Europe has formally requested the Badalona City Council to remove the monument dedicated to Che Guevara, arguing that it symbolizes political repression, racism, executions, and decades of suffering for the Cuban people.
The activists were received by Councilman David Mejía, who expressed respect and support for their cause. He rejected the glorification of figures associated with human rights abuses and committed to bringing the issue to the relevant city council authorities to seek a resolution.
Following the meeting, the Cubans gathered in front of the statue and publicly condemned its presence in Spanish public spaces.
Che Guevara: A Controversial Figure
"Cubans from all over Europe have signed to remove this monument. It's like placing a monument of a Nazi in front of a German anywhere in the world," stated one of the activists present.
The promoters of the campaign argue that Che Guevara's image is incompatible with democratic values and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and that the monument is an insult to Cuban victims of repression.
"These monuments that go against democratic principles should be removed. It's disrespectful that in Spain, where many Cubans live and contribute, there are monuments to individuals who advocated for political violence," another activist pointed out.
Community Action and Formal Petition
The Cubans also submitted a formal letter to the mayor, accompanied by signatures from exiled compatriots from various European countries.
The signature collection began officially on March 28, targeting Cubans residing in Spain, requiring only their name and confirmation of residence.
Historical Context of the Statue
The statue was unveiled in 2007 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the guerrilla fighter's death, promoted by the Casal d'amistat amb Cuba in collaboration with the Escola d'Art Pau Gargallo in Badalona and created by Cuban artist Silvio Pérez.
According to the activists, its installation was pushed by the then-mayor from the Catalan Socialist Party with the backing of associations like Amics de Cuba.
"There is an association directly dedicated to Che Guevara, several Amics de Cuba, who are really supporting the dictatorship, not the Cubans who truly need freedom," declared one of the protest participants.
Potential for Change
Councilman Mejía responded decisively: "There are real possibilities. I will bring this to the table in government meetings, and we will see how we can channel and implement this initiative, which you have rightly raised, as a just claim for the Cuban people."
The debate over monuments to revolutionary figures has gained momentum in recent years.
In July 2025, statues of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro were removed in Mexico City by order of the Cuauhtémoc district mayor, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, due to installation irregularities and neighborhood complaints.
Similarly, in December, Bolivia took a symbolic step by removing the name of Ernesto "Che" Guevara, the "Murderous Hero," from one of its most well-known avenues in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, marking a departure from the legacy of the Argentine-Cuban guerrilla leader.
Spain is home to over 250,000 Cubans, with Barcelona being a major hub for this community, which has led various protests against events and symbols perceived as glorifying the dictatorship.
"Any Cuban who speaks against the dictatorship regime is barred from returning to Cuba. This is a victory, and I thank the Badalona City Council for agreeing to remove this monument," concluded one of the activists at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Che Guevara Statue Controversy
Why do Cubans in Europe want the Che Guevara statue removed?
They argue that the statue symbolizes political repression, racism, and decades of pain for the Cuban people. They also believe it contradicts democratic values and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
What actions have been taken to remove the statue?
Activists submitted a formal petition to the Badalona City Council with signatures from Cubans across Europe, urging the removal of the monument.
What is the historical significance of the Che Guevara statue in Badalona?
The statue was erected in 2007 to mark the 40th anniversary of Guevara's death, promoted by local associations and created by Cuban artist Silvio Pérez.