Cuban journalist Ismael Cala has openly expressed his ambition to one day become the president of Cuba. During a viral interaction on social media, he reached out to Peru's newly elected leader, Keiko Fujimori, requesting her mentorship for this potential future role.
The exchange took place on Cala's podcast, The Abundance Revolution, released between July 3 and 5, shortly after Peru's National Jury of Elections officially declared Fujimori the president-elect.
"I want to ask for your help, your mentorship, do you know why? Because if Cuba becomes a free country, I would like to contribute to it, and I would like you to train me to be a good president of Cuba," Cala candidly told Fujimori during the recording.
Fujimori responded warmly, accepting the proposed role: "It's a privilege for me to accompany you, to give you advice, dear Ismael. What you're announcing is incredibly powerful and transformative. You know I care about you, I admire you, and you have very strong leadership."
Cala clarified that his presidential aspirations are not for the immediate future but projected decades ahead. "I'm thinking 20 or 30 years from now, not today," he specified, adding that successful individuals in the private sector should also step into public service: "If we who thrive in the private sector don't step up to also serve publicly, we sometimes can't complain about the leaders who come into power."
He shared that the seed of this political aspiration was planted by a young Cuban who reached out years ago when Cala was with CNN. "I never considered politics, but a young man wrote me a letter on Facebook from Havana years ago at CNN. It made me cry because he was the one who planted the seed. He said, 'I hope you become the president of Cuba,'" Cala recalled.
Cala also revealed he has been unable to return to Cuba for 15 years due to his stance against the communist regime. His mother even had to bid farewell to his father on his behalf because the government barred his entry to the island.
During the conversation, both addressed the political situation in Cuba. Fujimori strongly criticized the island's current model: "[Communism and socialism] have brought poverty, division, misery, and stripped away freedom," she stated, although she expressed optimism that Cuba will eventually reclaim its liberty.
The clip shared by Cala on Instagram garnered over 53,000 reactions and nearly 3,700 comments, with messages of support from fans across Latin America.
This isn't the first time Cala has voiced this aspiration. In June 2024, he had already mentioned his desire to be Cuba's president if the country underwent a democratic transition. However, this request for mentorship from an elected head of state adds a new dimension to his ambition.
At 51, Fujimori won the Peruvian election by a mere 49,641 votes over her opponent Roberto Sánchez. She is set to be inaugurated on July 28, 2026, as the first woman elected president of Peru by popular vote, after four attempts.
Insights into Ismael Cala's Political Aspirations
Why does Ismael Cala seek mentorship from Keiko Fujimori?
Cala wants Fujimori to mentor him in leadership skills so that he might effectively contribute to a free Cuba as its future president.
What is Ismael Cala's timeline for running for president of Cuba?
Cala envisions pursuing the presidency in 20 to 30 years, aiming for a long-term plan rather than an immediate campaign.
How has the political situation in Cuba affected Ismael Cala personally?
Cala has been unable to return to Cuba for 15 years due to his opposition to the communist regime, and he was prevented from attending his father's farewell.