Related videos:
The official singer-songwriter Raúl Torres posted an extensive message on his Facebook profile directed at a young Cuban troubadour who has emigrated, whom he described as "ungrateful" and questioned for calling the regime in Havana a "dictatorship."
Torres revealed that the musician, who he did not identify by name, had sent him a private message in which he confessed that "one of the most difficult things in this life is to be consistent" and that in Cuba, "politically speaking," he had not always been so. The young man stated that he did not want to repeat that mistake and that from that moment on, he would strive to "speak the truth freely whenever he could argue it correctly."
In the same text, the exiled troubadour explained that he admired Silvio Rodríguez's work but not the man himself: "Silvio is a great composer, but he is not a god, Raúl, and his attitude could do immense good for Cuba, but it does immense harm." He also added that he did not agree "with either socialism or communism" and that he hoped "the dictatorship in Cuba, the one that separates me from my mom, the one that has the country on its knees, will fall."
Raúl Torres responded from Canada with a lengthy reflection defending the Cuban regime. "Coherence is not just being true to what one feels today, but also to what one has lived and to those who made it possible," wrote the singer-songwriter. "The Revolution that you call 'dictatorship' today is the same one that, decades ago, opened schools and universities to the children of the poor and to the Black individuals whom neocolonial capitalism had condemned to ignorance."
In his message, Torres insisted that the achievements of the Revolution cannot be erased or reduced to the label of dictatorship. "These are not the accomplishments of a dictatorship, but rather of a profound social justice achieved," he stated, justifying the Cuban model by "the ongoing hostility of an empire that does not tolerate the self-determination of peoples." In his view, "the model was defined not by a dogmatic whim, but as an act of survival in the face of an suffocating blockade that has lasted for six decades."
The troubadour also defended Silvio Rodríguez, pointing out that “Silvio is not an abstract entity; he is a son of this Revolution that shaped his song and gave him a place from which to speak to the world.” Along those lines, he warned the young man that he should not build his exile “by merely reflecting the same positions that everyone says when they leave,” and he urged him: “I only ask you to be consistent and not be ungrateful from that very position you hold today.”
Torres concluded his post with a warm and paternal tone: "I have always considered you a brother, and anyone who insults you personally in front of me will not fare well, because I will defend you on the spot." He assured that he would return to Cuba soon and, despite the hardships, he cannot stand being away from his "homeland" for long.
A spokesperson for "continuity"
Raúl Torres, author of propaganda songs such as Riding with Fidel and The Return of the Friend (dedicated to Hugo Chávez), has established himself as one of the most loyal voices of the Cuban cultural establishment.
In August, the musician released a new song dedicated to Fidel Castro on the 99th anniversary of the dictator's birth, where he sings: “Loyalty will always remain with us, how we miss you, dad.”
In September, he publicly defended the alleged existence of freedom of expression in Cuba, stating that “I am criticized without compassion” and that works by opposition artists are showcased on the island.
And at the beginning of October, he proposed to establish a "market socialism" that combines private economy with state control to "prevent the people from taking to the streets."
His most recent message on Facebook reinforces the official narrative that portrays the Cuban regime as morally superior, despite the deep economic and political crisis facing the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raúl Torres and His Political Stance
Why did Raúl Torres call the young Cuban troubadour who emigrated "ingrate"?
Raúl Torres described the young emigrant troubadour as "ungrateful" for calling the regime in Havana a "dictatorship." Torres, a supporter of the Cuban regime, believes that the Revolution has brought significant social achievements that cannot be reduced to a mere label of dictatorship. Torres's response reflects his stance of unconditional loyalty to the Cuban system.
How does Raúl Torres justify the Cuban regime?
Raúl Torres defends the Cuban regime by arguing that its achievements are the result of "deep social justice." According to Torres, education and the creation of opportunities for the poorest and most marginalized sectors are victories of the Revolution, and U.S. hostility has forced Cuba to adopt a model of survival rather than one of ideological whim.
What does Raúl Torres think about freedom of expression in Cuba?
Raúl Torres claims that there is freedom of expression in Cuba because he himself has been subjected to criticism without repercussions. However, this assertion is questionable, as numerous artists and citizens have been repressed for expressing opinions contrary to the regime. Torres uses his own experience as an example to argue that there is room for criticism within Cuba.
What proposals has Raúl Torres made regarding the Cuban economic system?
Raúl Torres has proposed a "market socialism" in Cuba, which combines private economy with state control. This proposal aims to alleviate social unrest by allowing certain economic openings while maintaining strict political control. Torres argues that this measure could prevent social outbreaks without altering the political power of the regime.
Filed under: