In a bold statement during an interview with CiberCuba, Manolín, known as "El Médico de la Salsa," declared a resolute stand against the Cuban dictatorship: "There's nothing left to discuss with the regime. They leave, or we make them leave."
After spending five years in Cuba following two decades of exile, Manolín decided to permanently leave the island in September 2024. He explained that any chance for the regime to amend its ways is now nonexistent.
When questioned about who would implement the "we make them leave," Manolín did not mince words: "Unless Trump does it, I don't see anyone here taking action."
To illustrate why the Cuban people cannot act independently, the singer shared a personal anecdote: "In Cuba, you can't even think about using a weapon. I once seriously asked where one could get a weapon, and a friend told me: the weapon is the least of your worries; the real problem is that asking will get you 30 years in prison, and another 30,000 for listening."
From this experience, Manolín concluded: "They have everything under control. The Cuban people can't undertake anything serious. That's why we need the United States to help us overthrow the dictatorship. I'm absolutely clear on that."
The Geographic Isolation of Cuba
Manolín also pointed out how Cuba's geographical position exacerbates the situation: "We're surrounded by a prison and we're as good as dead. The United States must help us rid ourselves of these clowns."
He was unsparing in his critique of the regime's historical record: "70 years of absolute power. They were given a blank check and squandered it."
Particularly scathing was his criticism of the government's reaction to public protests: "When a part of the populace rises up, their solution is to unleash the other part to beat them down, as if we're living in the Stone Age. The Caribbean's own Taliban."
The "other part" he refers to are the Rapid Response Brigades, paramilitary civilian groups organized by the regime to suppress demonstrations, as documented by human rights organizations following the July 11, 2021 protests.
Criticism of the Bolivarian Axis
Extending his criticism to the Bolivarian leaders, Manolín questioned whether figures like Maduro could aspire to build anything substantial: "The first thing they need to do is learn how to talk."
Regarding the regime's claim of representing a "better world," the artist was unequivocal: "Is this the better world these lunatics want to build? Please. It's an insult to human intelligence."
Manolín admitted that he once left "a door open" for the possibility of change, but after living under current conditions for five years, that hope has vanished: "I've always been critical of the Cuban government, of the Cuban dictatorship. Always. But I used to leave a door open... Now, after returning and living there for five years, it's worse than ever. It's time to end it."
Understanding Manolín's Stand Against the Cuban Regime
What is Manolín's stance on the Cuban dictatorship?
Manolín believes that there is no room for negotiation with the Cuban regime, stating that they must leave or be made to leave.
Why does Manolín think the Cuban people cannot act on their own?
Manolín argues that the Cuban government has complete control, preventing the people from taking serious action without external assistance, particularly from the United States.
What are the Rapid Response Brigades?
These are paramilitary civilian groups organized by the Cuban regime to suppress protests, as documented during the July 11, 2021, demonstrations.