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The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer made a direct and strong appeal to the people of the Island to take advantage of what he described as an especially favorable moment to drive a profound political change in Cuba.
In a message shared on X, the founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) urged citizens to move from words to actions and to actively participate in efforts that contribute to the pursuit of freedom, democracy, and well-being.
Ferrer urged Cubans to sever ties with the organizations that are part of the regime's control apparatus, including the CDR, the FMC, the CTC, and the FEU.
In his statement, he emphasized the need to detach from those structures and to join, either publicly or discreetly, pro-democratic organizations.
"They should create profiles with pseudonyms on social media and express their true feelings, denouncing all the injustices and the many serious issues affecting Cubans," he requested.
"They must join the demands for the release of political prisoners; those who are in conditions to do so should paint graffiti with messages in favor of freedom. It's something easy to do and has a great impact," he added.
The opposition figure emphasized that the situation in the country cannot be seen as a dignified way of living, referring to the lack of rights, extreme poverty, and the backwardness experienced by large sectors of the population.
He stated that Cubans deserve a better future and emphasized that those living in exile consider themselves brothers of the people who remain on the Island and are willing to return to contribute to the reconstruction of Cuba.
"Neither the exiles nor the U.S. are your enemies. Your enemy and the enemy of everyone is the criminal regime that has you without rights, in misery, and under blackouts," he clarified.
The political leader extended his appeal even to the military, asserting that they too are affected by the current situation and that the change would benefit their families.
"We all need freedom and prosperity in Cuba, and the small group in power is the only obstacle. Let's take action, and Cuba will be a great free and prosperous nation," he concluded.
The message from the UNPACU leader comes in a context of increasing political tension.
This Thursday, Ferrer issued a direct warning to Miguel Díaz-Canel, urging him to take proactive measures against what he sees as an impending system collapse.
In a video shared on social media, he described the president as a figure used by the power elite and held him responsible for serving as the "visible face of repression."
Ferrer stated that the leader would have been placed in the presidency to absorb popular discontent and that he has shown a lack of understanding regarding key decisions of the regime itself, which evidences his lack of real power within the structure of the State.
"They put you there so that the people can vent all their anger and discontent against you," he emphasized.
He also questioned his statements regarding the non-existence of contacts with Washington, after President Donald Trump stated that conversations with Cuba are taking place.
In that regard, he suggested that negotiations might be taking place behind the back of the president himself, and that other members of the ruling elite could be managing those dialogues.
"Maybe it's Alejandro Castro Espín who's having the conversation. (...) Or it's Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga. (...) Perhaps Castro Espín has already told the Americans, 'Don't worry, when you least expect it, I'll let you know so you can take Canel and he can pay for it.' Put him in the same cell as Maduro," he joked.
In that context, Ferrer advised the Cuban leader to begin negotiations before it is too late, warning that he could face the same fate as other regional leaders who have experienced serious political and legal consequences.
Last Sunday, he sent another harsh message to Díaz-Canel and the regime’s leadership, advising them to "move quickly" and release all political prisoners before it’s too late.
"Let the people take the reins of their destiny. If you continue to oppress and suppress the people, you will be responsible for what happens," he warned.
The recent statements by the opposition leader add to a series of appeals directed both at the people and the country's armed institutions.
Last week, Ferrer published an open letter addressed to the leadership and troops of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), in which he urged them to support a democratic transition, the holding of free elections, political pluralism, and the drafting of a new Constitution.
Ferrer, released in 2025 after spending nearly four years in prison, has reiterated that Cuba is experiencing the worst crisis in the last seven decades, characterized by economic collapse, shortages of food and medicine, an energy crisis, and a massive exodus.
In that context, his call aims to mobilize citizens in what he considers a decisive opportunity to bring about historic change in the country.
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