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The Cuban Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and his Polish counterpart, Radosław Sikorski, exchanged messages on the social media platform X, following the event where the opposition figure Berta Soler, leader of the Damas de Blanco, received the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award 2025 in Miami.
Rodríguez harshly criticized the awarding of the prize, stating that honoring those whom he claims "subvert the constitutional order of Cuba" is part of "the corrupt and anti-Cuban agenda of the United States Secretary of State."
In his message, he referred to the opposition members as "lackeys" who profit from American taxpayer money.
Sikorski's response was swift. The Polish Foreign Minister clarified that the award "is funded by Poland, not by the United States," and it honors those who peacefully fight for freedom and democracy. "The people of Cuba also deserve it," he emphasized in a message that resonated strongly due to the symbolism of a country that endured decades of communist dictatorship (1945-1989) before achieving its democratic transition.
Bruno Rodríguez responded by insisting on the regime's official narrative, emphasizing that, according to his perspective, "Cubans have lived in freedom and democracy since January 1, 1959, even though the U.S. government has been trying to oppress us for 66 years."
The exchange took place a day after the ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami, where Berta Soler was honored with one of the most significant international awards for human rights defenders.
Paradoxically to what the island's chancellor defends, Soler was unable to travel to Miami due to the regime's restrictions and reported being cut off on the morning of the ceremony. From afar, she expressed her gratitude for the award and reiterated that she will not accept a "point of no return" from Cuba.
Beyond the diplomatic explanations, the controversy once again highlights the clash between the official perspective of Havana, which insists on defining itself as a democracy since 1959, and the international community, which underscores the systematic repression against dissenters and the lack of freedoms on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy between Cuba and Poland over the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award 2025
Why did the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize 2025 generate controversy in Cuba?
The Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award 2025 sparked controversy in Cuba as it was awarded to Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, an opposition group to the Cuban regime. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez criticized the award, labeling it part of an anti-Cuban and corrupt agenda, while Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski defended the award as recognition for those who fight for freedom and democracy.
What does the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award represent?
The Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize honors those who promote democracy and civil rights around the world. It was established in 2014 at the initiative of Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. It includes a statuette and a monetary award of $275,000, and has been awarded to prominent figures in the defense of human rights, such as the Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev and Russian activist Zhanna Nemtsova.
Why couldn't Berta Soler attend the award ceremony?
Berta Soler was unable to attend the award ceremony due to the restrictions imposed by the Cuban regime, which prevented her from leaving the country. During the ceremony, Soler reported being isolated and rejected the conditions imposed by the Cuban authorities for her departure, which included accepting a "one-way exit."
What was the reaction of the Cuban government to the award given to Berta Soler?
The Cuban government reacted critically to the award given to Berta Soler. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez dismissed the award as part of an anti-Cuban agenda and accused the opponents of enriching themselves with American taxpayer money. This stance reflects the tension between the regime's official narrative and the international perception of the lack of freedoms in Cuba.
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