On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a video message in Spanish aimed at the Cuban people, outlining his vision for a "new Cuba" that embraces press freedom, private media, free enterprise, and democratic elections. The message coincides with the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cuba.
Shared via his official account on X, the video marks Rubio's first direct address to the Cuban populace in Spanish in his role as Secretary of State, according to specialized media reports.
Rubio immediately countered the regime's narrative regarding the root causes of the current crisis. "The reason you're forced to endure up to 22 hours a day without electricity isn't due to a U.S. oil blockade. The real reason you lack electricity, fuel, and food is that those in power have embezzled billions, none of which has been used to benefit the people," he stated.
A State Within a State
The Cuban-American politician identified GAESA—the business conglomerate of the Armed Forces founded by Raúl Castro 30 years ago—as the true power on the island. "Today, Cuba is not controlled by a revolution. It is controlled by GAESA: a state within a state that answers to no one and hoards the profits of its enterprises for a select elite," Rubio noted.
He highlighted that GAESA controls $18 billion in assets and dominates 70% of the Cuban economy, earning revenues three times greater than the government's budget. The conglomerate profits from hotels, banks, and stores, and even takes a cut from remittances sent by Cubans abroad to their families.
Economic Freedom and Democratic Elections
Accusing the regime of relying on free oil from Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro for years, Rubio claimed that now they only purchase fuel for their own generators and vehicles while asking the public to sacrifice.
In response to this scenario, Rubio presented the Trump administration's proposal: "A new Cuba where you, not just the Communist Party, can own a television station or a newspaper. A new Cuba where you can criticize a failing system without fear of imprisonment or exile."
The vision also includes the freedom for any citizen—not just the GAESA elite—to open a gas station, a store, a restaurant, a bank, or a construction company, along with free elections granting the right to vote and replace leaders.
A Vision of Prosperity
Rubio compared this vision to the realities in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Florida. "If owning a business and having the right to vote is possible around Cuba, why can't it be possible within Cuba?" he questioned.
Lastly, he emphasized that the Trump administration has offered $100 million in food and medicine to the Cuban people, provided it's distributed directly by the Catholic Church or other trusted charitable organizations, not by GAESA. Initially, the Cuban regime dismissed the offer as a "fable," but later expressed willingness to "listen."
Rubio concluded his message with a stark warning: "In the United States, we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our peoples. And today, the only obstacle to a better future is those who control your country."
The video comes a day after President Donald Trump declared he could "fix Cuba" and was open to a diplomatic agreement with Havana, and two weeks after Rubio announced direct sanctions against GAESA and its CEO, giving foreign companies until June 5 to sever ties with the conglomerate.
Regime official Carlos Fernández de Cossío responded to the video by accusing Rubio of "repeatedly lying" about Cuba.
Questions About Rubio's Vision for Cuba
What is Marco Rubio's vision for a new Cuba?
Marco Rubio envisions a Cuba with press freedom, private media, free enterprise, and democratic elections, where citizens can own businesses and have the right to vote.
What role does GAESA play in Cuba according to Rubio?
Rubio identifies GAESA as the true power in Cuba, a conglomerate controlling 70% of the economy and operating as a state within a state, benefiting a small elite.
How does Rubio propose to assist the Cuban people?
Rubio highlights the Trump administration's offer of $100 million in food and medicine to be distributed by trusted organizations, bypassing GAESA.