Cuban historian Julio César González Pagés recently took to Facebook to express sharp criticism towards a segment of the Cuban expatriate community in Spain. He called out those who accuse island residents of cowardice for staying in Cuba.
González Pagés, a distinguished Cuban academic and Doctor of Science, wrote, "The right-wing fundamentalism of a large part of the Cuban immigrant community in Spain is quite remarkable. Some attribute the hardships we are currently experiencing to a lack of courage among those of us who remain on the island."
The historian describes a common scenario: When someone from Cuba comments on Spanish politics without praising conservative parties, they are quickly met with responses like, "Don't speak about what you don't live, that's why you have no electricity, water, food, or freedom, just shut up."
The Roots of the Exile Community
González Pagés delves deeper into the backgrounds of many of these emigrants. He points out that a considerable number left Cuba during the Special Period in the 1990s, facilitated by their parents' positions as communist leaders in various state sectors. This allowed them to obtain the Permiso de Residencia en el Exterior (PRE)
The historian notes that their families occupied homes confiscated from their original owners, including numerous Spanish emigrants to Cuba who did not receive such advantages. As the 21st century began, González Pagés writes, these families sold, renovated, or rented these mansions to tourists without question regarding the expropriation. He details the privileges enjoyed by this elite: access to the Hotel Nacional during carnivals, parties at the Club Cristino during the Film Festival, summer homes in Varadero, Lada and Fiat cars, and education at the Lenin and Humboldt pre-universities, which he describes as having superior teachers, food, and facilities compared to schools for the "ordinary population." His most direct criticism comes at the end: "Hundreds of artists, officials, and public figures who are now part of the far-right in Spain have a history of silent and opportunistic support for the revolution to maintain their small privileges over the decades." González Pagés, who was censored by Cubavisión in April 2025 for addressing issues of violence and masculinities, brings a unique perspective from years of research into Spanish emigration to Cuba, allowing him to expose historical ironies in his post. The debate over who holds the legitimacy to comment on Cuba—the residents who stay or those who have emigrated—is a recurring theme among the diaspora, particularly in Spain, where the Cuban community has largely aligned with right-wing and far-right parties. González Pagés concluded his post with a call to remember history: "Forbidden to forget, let's rescue the memory of the elephant." González Pagés criticizes Cuban exiles in Spain for accusing those who remain on the island of cowardice, pointing out the privileges many exiles had due to their families' connections in Cuba. According to González Pagés, many exiled Cubans in Spain enjoyed privileges like access to exclusive events, better education, and properties in Cuba due to their families' political connections.Unpacking Privilege and Hypocrisy
A Historian's Perspective
Understanding Cuban Emigration and Politics
Why is Julio César González Pagés critical of Cuban exiles in Spain?
What privileges do exiled Cubans in Spain reportedly have?