The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, praised the city of Miami this Friday as an example of prosperity achieved in freedom by thousands of exiles who fled communism. Her remarks were made during the second session of the debate on the state of the region, at the Assembly of Madrid, where she strongly responded to the opposition regarding their criticisms of her private life and her trips to the United States.
"One of the reasons I like to go to Miami, whenever I can — since it generates so much interest among those on the left — is because life in Florida shows you how human beings, fleeing from communism, are capable of going so far,” Ayuso stated from the podium, in a speech laden with criticism directed at her political opponents.
The president referred to Cuban, Venezuelan, and other immigrants who "have fled on rafts, seeking a way to reach a country where they are allowed to thrive in freedom, where they can start their own businesses." She added, "A person who risked their life at sea can have their own company in a short time."
He also took the opportunity to distance himself from the left: “Those people don’t want anything to do with the unrefined socialism —which is not all of socialism— and communism. I love living with joyful, driven, brave, generous people, who are not like you: sectarian, hateful, and capable of discrediting singers, actors, filmmakers, and journalists because of their ideology.”
In a firm tone, she added: "I like free people who don’t have that paralysis of looking at whether you belong to this political party or that one. That’s why I love every opportunity I get to go to the United States or any Western country that champions life and prosperity, and, by the way, as a woman, it allows me to feel very free."
A personal and political defense
Ayuso took the opportunity during her speech to defend herself against criticism regarding her private life, including comments about her partner, Alberto González Amador, and her trips to Miami. “And then they also tell me where I should spend my vacations. How could I even think about spending my holidays in the United States, considering how nice it is to travel back and forth to the Dominican Republic without having to explain myself through the radar?”, the president remarked, making a clear reference to the use of the Falcon by the central Government.
Her words were spoken during a particularly tense moment of the state of the region debate, where she was accused by the opposition of ignoring the war in Gaza and protecting personal interests. Ayuso responded by defending her stance and attacking what she described as the "double moral standard" of the left.
A close bond with Miami and the Cuban exiles
The commendations for Miami and its community of exiles are not new. In June of this year, Ayuso received the key to the city of Miami, presented by Mayor Francis Suárez in recognition of her “outstanding public service and commitment to democratic values.”
Shortly after, the meeting he had with a Cuban woman who works at FIU who approached him and said: “I am here because of communism” went viral.
Weeks later, during the official presentation of Hispanidad 2025, Ayuso once again emphasized the importance of the diaspora and stated: “Everyone needs to know about Cuban Miami.” This event, which will be held in October in Madrid, will feature over 150 activities and artists such as Gloria Estefan, Eliades Ochoa, and the Orquesta Aragón. Additionally, it was announced that the United States will be the guest of honor at the 2026 edition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Her Relationship with Miami
Why does Isabel Díaz Ayuso praise the city of Miami?
Isabel Díaz Ayuso praises Miami as an example of prosperity achieved in freedom. According to Ayuso, Miami is a place where exiles who have fled communism, such as Cubans and Venezuelans, have been able to thrive and create their own businesses, demonstrating how far humanity can go when in an environment of freedom.
What is Ayuso's relationship with the Cuban community in Miami?
Isabel Díaz Ayuso has demonstrated a strong connection with the Cuban community in Miami, highlighting the importance of the Cuban diaspora as a symbol of resistance to communism. During her visits, she has received the key to the city and participated in events to strengthen cooperation between Miami and Madrid, reaffirming her commitment to democratic values.
What criticisms has Ayuso received for her comments about Miami and communism?
Ayuso has been criticized by the opposition, especially by the Madrid PSOE, which considers her comments as an attack on the left and an idealization of Miami at the expense of Madrid. The PSOE has responded with skepticism to her praises of Miami, defending dignity and social rights in Spain, which has sparked intense political debate.
Filed under:
