U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Addresses Cuban People, Criticizes Elite
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a direct message to the Cuban population through a Spanish video. Rubio criticized the Cuban elite for corruption and proposed a significant aid package, offering $100 million in food and medicine. This message was delivered alongside the news of former President Raúl Castro and five others being indicted by a U.S. grand jury in Florida.
As the son of Cuban immigrants who arrived in Florida before Fidel Castro’s rise, Rubio focused his criticism on the Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA). He claimed GAESA controls 70% of the Cuban economy with $18 billion in assets. “They profit from hotels, banks, and remittances from the U.S., yet none of these profits reach you,” Rubio stated.
Cuba is experiencing widespread blackouts due to a faltering power grid. This situation worsened following the U.S. blockade on oil imports. Oil supplies from Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro ceased after the U.S. military’s intervention in January, which led to Maduro’s indictment on drug charges.
“The 22-hour daily blackouts are not only the result of U.S. actions but of years of mismanagement and corruption,” Rubio explained. “Cuban leaders have misappropriated billions, leaving the people without basic necessities.”
Rubio suggested that the $100 million relief must be distributed via the Catholic Church or charitable organizations. He stressed, “It is essential to ensure supplies reach the Cuban people without falling into GAESA’s hands.”
He also highlighted a proposed redefined relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, focusing on direct engagement with the Cuban population. “President Trump offers not just a partnership with GAESA but with you, the Cuban people,” Rubio declared.
The video marked the same day the 94-year-old Raúl Castro was indicted. The charges involve the 1996 incident where Cuban forces shot down two planes of the Brothers to the Rescue humanitarian group. Despite stepping down in 2021, Raúl Castro remains a key figure in Cuba, with Miguel Díaz-Canel as the current president and party leader.