María Elvira Salazar: "Havana cannot stand on its own."

The Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar stated that the Cuban regime cannot sustain itself and has historically depended on foreign subsidies, amid the worsening economic crisis on the island.

In a message posted on the social media platform X, Salazar supported statements made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asserted that Havana has survived thanks to external assistance.

"Havana cannot stand on its own. It survives on foreign lifelines. First the Soviets, then Venezuela. Now both have vanished," wrote the legislator.

The congresswoman also stated that the current situation reflects the weakening of the Cuban system.

“The Cuban people have lost their fear, and the world is seeing the regime for what it truly is: broken, repressive, and failed,” he added.

Salazar also considered that the current moment presents an opportunity for political changes on the island.

"The window is open. Now is the time to dismantle the dictatorship and bring justice to the island," he stated.

The legislator's statements come after the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, pointed out that the Cuban economy has relied for decades on external subsidies, first from the Soviet Union and later from Venezuela, support that has decreased in recent years.

Historically, the Cuban economy has been marked by a strong dependence on external aid, first from the Soviet bloc and then from regional allies, as well as income from remittances and international agreements.

Salazar's statement adds to the growing criticism from political sectors in the United States regarding the situation in Cuba, in a context of economic crisis, prolonged blackouts, and increasing social unrest within the island.