Colombian President Gustavo Petro has once again stirred controversy with unusual comments in which he stated that "living in Cuba is much better than in Miami," describing the American city as "phantasmagorias" and "the sequins of capitalism."
During a speech, Petro compared the situation of Colombian migrants in the United States with that of those residing on the island governed by the regime of Miguel Díaz-Canel, and urged his compatriots to “return from Chile, Argentina, and the United States,” because —he said— “they are treated like slaves and dogs hunted in the streets.”
“It is much better to live in Cuba amidst the culture than in Miami stuck in traffic with no culture of its own, imitating Havana,” asserted the leader, before stating that “Havana is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”
Petro added that "the gringos imitate Havana, but Havana has the history and Miami does not," and he assured that "when one goes to Havana 'for real,' they find a beautiful city, one of the best in the world, and not the pictures that the press shows."
The Colombian president insisted that Colombians abroad "are not treated with dignity" and that "few manage to have a car or a house," prompting him to call for their return to the country.
He also described Miami as a city destined to disappear, just like Dubai, for being—according to him—“an illusion of capitalism.”
The statements are a distorted and out-of-context assertion that contrasts with the reality of the profound economic, political, and social crisis facing Cuba, characterized by blackouts, food shortages, repression, and an unprecedented migration exodus.
Meanwhile, Miami remains the main destination for exiles and entrepreneurs from Latin America, including thousands of Cubans and Venezuelans fleeing the regimes that Petro usually praises.
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