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Elián González Brotons, representative to the National Assembly of People's Power, stated that "many of the Cubans who have emigrated will return delighted" when the country's economy improves.
González also stated that the uncontainable exodus of Cubans in recent years is primarily due to economic reasons and expressed his belief that, as the crisis turns around, many will return "because Cubans are very patriotic and family-oriented."
The statements, reproduced by the official portal Cubainformación, took place in Mexico City, as part of the IX Continental Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba, held from October 9 to 12, where the regime's spokesperson participated, alongside Aleida Guevara.
The event supporting the regime was interpreted as a political and symbolic gesture aimed at affirming the generational continuity of the revolutionary discourse.
As part of his statements, González insisted that the main obstacle to the island's development is the U.S. blockade, and he denied that the country's problems are due to the political system.
"Cuba is not a failed state; what it is experiencing is strong aggression," he stated.
In his speech, he also emphasized the role of youth in the Cuban Parliament and the need to "bring their perspective into discussions on the major social issues."
He argued that the State promotes the participation of young people at all levels of decision-making.
González, who became internationally known due to the legal case he faced against the United States in 2000, credited his return to the island to the decisive role of international solidarity, and recalled that the dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016) “always knew that the battle had to be won in world public opinion.”
In 2024 alone, more than 250,000 Cubans left the island, according to the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI), which also marked the year with the lowest number of registered births in six decades, an increase in the number of deaths, and a sustained population decline compared to 2023.
Independent studies, such as the one by economist Juan Carlos Albizu-Campos, raise this figure to over 545,000 emigrants in a single year, and assert that the actual population of Cuba may have fallen to just over eight million inhabitants, a decrease of 24% since 2020.
“It is essential to understand migration, seek a return, and foster a connection with Cubans living abroad who wish to come back”, stated Antonio Ajas, director of the Demographic Studies Center at the University of Havana, last June.
However, the delayed reunion of the Cuban nation is postponed due to the structural causes that perpetuate the exodus: poverty, political repression, and the multisystemic crisis that suffocates the country.
The regime uses the diaspora as a support for the island, seeking to have remittances and the sale of food and essential goods in convertible currency and at extremely high prices finance the needs of the ruling elite.
In reality, Cuba is held captive by an authoritarian political system that excludes and impoverishes the vast majority of the population, while also having fragmented thousands of families, as it keeps many Cubans in exile who cannot return for fear of being judged for their beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elián González's Statements and the Situation in Cuba
What does Elián González think about the return of Cuban emigrants?
Elián González believes that Cuban emigrants will return "joyfully" to Cuba when the country's economy improves. He claims that the exodus of Cubans is primarily due to economic reasons and is confident that, once the crisis is resolved, many will come back because of their deep-rooted sense of patriotism and family ties.
What factors does Elián González mention as obstacles to Cuba's development?
Elián González points to the U.S. blockade as the main obstacle for Cuba's development. He denies that the country's problems are due to the political system and argues that Cuba is not a failed state, but rather one that is being externally attacked.
What has been the migration trend in Cuba in recent years?
The exodus of Cubans has been massive, with over 250,000 emigrating just in 2024, according to official figures. Independent studies suggest that this number could be much higher, exceeding 545,000 emigrants in a single year. The situation reflects a demographic crisis and significant population aging.
What is Elián González's position on Fidel Castro?
Elián González regards Fidel Castro as a paternal and protective figure. He reaffirms his loyalty to the Cuban regime and describes Castro as a "loving grandfather," emphasizing the positive influence he had on his life.
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