Renowned Cuban-American historian Germán Miret firmly dismissed the notion that Cubans "don't know how to govern themselves" and possess "inherent authoritarian traits," a claim made by a viewer named Graciela during a live interview with CiberCuba.
Miret, an 86-year-old expert in Cuban history and culture, responded unequivocally: "The Cuban people governed themselves quite well, notwithstanding some flaws, during the republican era. We had a dictator, Machado, who was eventually ousted."
The historian acknowledged that republican governments had "both their achievements and mistakes," featuring both honest and corrupt officials. Yet, he emphasized that those administrations were capable of self-governance.
According to Miret, the most compelling evidence of this capability is the 1940 Cuban Constitution: "It proves that Cubans are capable of self-governance. This constitution could still be enacted if there were a change in Cuba."
The Role of Constitution in Self-Governance
Miret admitted that the document's main flaw was being "too detailed," but he defended it as a legitimate starting point against those who suggest drafting a new constitution that would alter 80% of its articles. "Improvements can be made. Changes will be necessary, but at least it's a tool to begin with. You can't start without one," he emphasized.
The Path to Political Transition
In the same discussion, another viewer, William, inquired about who would shape the transition: the military, technocrats, or the public? Miret was straightforward: "The spark will come from the streets. After that, it will be essential to find those within the regime willing to switch sides."
The historian warned that this moment might come too late for many within the power structure, but their involvement will be crucial for maintaining order. "You can't have a leaderless revolution. Leaders are necessary, but ideally, it should be a group rather than a single individual, so the idea endures," he pointed out.
Resistance and Repression in Cuba
Miret also highlighted the roughly 1,300 political prisoners in Cuba as evidence that the people have not surrendered to repression. "They have always used terror and intimidation, but Cubans have always stepped forward," he asserted.
The interview occurred just days after Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo" and grandson of Raúl Castro, made his first public appearance, advocating for a supposed Cuban economic model of openness without political change on June 19.
Miret dismissed these reforms as lacking genuine novelty and was unequivocal about the regime's credibility: "They have always been bandits. So how can I trust a bandit?"
The historian also critiqued the 176 economic measures approved by the regime on June 18, billed as the largest reform package in its history. He concluded that without genuine political change, no economic opening has a future: "You can't have a democracy when a government is entrenched for life. The only solution is to change the political and economic regime."
Key Insights into Cuban Governance and Political Change
What evidence supports the idea that Cubans can govern themselves?
The 1940 Cuban Constitution serves as a significant piece of evidence demonstrating that Cubans are capable of self-governance, according to historian Germán Miret.
Who are expected to play key roles in Cuba's political transition?
Historian Germán Miret believes that the public will be the catalyst for change, while it will also be necessary to involve regime insiders willing to side with the people.
What is the stance on the recent economic measures by the Cuban regime?
Miret criticizes the 176 economic measures announced as ineffective without genuine political change, asserting that real democracy cannot exist under a lifetime government.