On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a video message to the Cuban people advocating for the establishment of a "new Cuba" characterized by free elections, economic freedoms, and the empowerment of citizens to choose and replace their leaders.
In his address, coinciding with Cuba's Independence Day, Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration is prepared to begin "a new chapter" in relations between the United States and Cuba, but stressed that any engagement would be "with the Cuban people, not with GAESA."
"A new Cuba where you have the genuine opportunity to elect your leaders and the right to vote them out if they fail," Rubio stated, using Spanish to resonate with the aspirations and concerns of the Cuban populace.
He described a vision for Cuba where individuals can start private businesses, establish independent media outlets, and criticize the government without fear of reprisal.
"A new Cuba where you, not just the Communist Party, can own a television station or a newspaper," he declared.
GAESA's Grip on the Cuban Economy
Rubio directly accused GAESA, the business conglomerate run by the Cuban military and founded by Raúl Castro, of monopolizing the Cuban economy while citizens endure blackouts, shortages, and deteriorating public services.
"Today, Cuba is not governed by any revolution. Cuba is controlled by GAESA: a state within a state that is accountable to no one," he asserted.
According to Rubio, this military conglomerate commands 70% of the national economy and manages assets worth approximately $18 billion.
The True Cause of Cuba's Crisis
The Secretary of State argued that the island's electricity and fuel shortages are not due to the U.S. embargo, but rather decades of corruption and resource misallocation by the ruling elite.
"The real reason you lack electricity, fuel, and food is because those in control have looted billions of dollars," he explained.
Rubio also announced that the Trump administration is offering $100 million in food and medicine to the Cuban people, provided the aid is distributed by the Catholic Church or independent charitable organizations, rather than GAESA.
Comparisons and a New Offer
During his speech, Rubio compared Cuba's situation to other Caribbean countries and even Florida.
"If owning a business and having the right to vote is possible around Cuba, why not within Cuba?" he questioned.
The message coincided with the U.S. Department of Justice's formal charges against Raúl Castro for the 1996 shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue aircraft, which resulted in four deaths.
As reported by Axios, the tightening of measures illustrates the lack of progress in Washington's negotiations for a democratic transition on the island.
Rubio concluded his message with a warning to Cuba's ruling elite: "Today, the only obstacle to a better future is those who control your country."
Understanding the Challenges Facing Cuba
What is GAESA and how does it impact Cuba?
GAESA is a business conglomerate controlled by the Cuban military, founded by Raúl Castro. It holds significant power over the Cuban economy, controlling 70% of it and managing assets worth around $18 billion, which hampers economic freedom and development.
Why does Marco Rubio criticize GAESA?
Rubio criticizes GAESA for monopolizing the Cuban economy and diverting resources away from the public, contributing to shortages and economic hardship, while benefiting a small elite.
What is the U.S. offering to the Cuban people?
The U.S. is offering $100 million in food and medicine aid, contingent upon it being distributed by credible organizations like the Catholic Church, ensuring it reaches those in need rather than being controlled by GAESA.