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The elected president of Costa Rica, Laura Fernández Delgado, held a meeting with the Cuban singer Yotuel Romero, known for giving voice to the song Patria y Vida, which has become a symbol of freedom and resistance for many Cubans both on and off the Island.
The meeting was announced through Fernández's official social media account, where she highlighted the political and cultural significance of the artist.
"The elected President, Laura Fernández Delgado, received Yotuel, a Cuban artist who lends his voice to the song Patria y Vida, a symbol of bravery and freedom," states the message shared on Instagram.
In that same context, Fernández made a statement that clearly marks his stance: "When art speaks, people awaken. Freedom is not negotiated: it is felt, sung, and defended."
The gesture does not occur in a political vacuum, but amidst a moment of strong diplomatic tension between Costa Rica and the Cuban regime.
Fernández has supported the decision of the current Costa Rican government this week to close its embassy in Havana, a measure that was presented as a response to the ongoing deterioration of living conditions and fundamental rights on the Island.
The elected president was clear in justifying that decision: "It is a decision we have made prioritizing the human dignity of the Cuban people. Costa Rica is a global example; we are lovers of freedom and democracy. I was part of the decision to close our embassy in Cuba."
The meeting with Yotuel reinforces that political stance, aligned with a critical view of the Cuban system and support for cultural expressions that denounce the lack of freedoms.
The artist has been one of the most prominent voices in the international denunciation of the situation in Cuba, using music as a vehicle for protest.
The decision to close the Costa Rican embassy in Havana was announced this week by President Rodrigo Chaves alongside Foreign Minister Arnoldo André.
Both pointed out that the measure responds to a growing concern about the human rights situation on the Island, characterized—according to them—by an increase in repression, as well as a deterioration of economic and social conditions.
Chancellor André explained that this is a "strong signal of concern" regarding the restrictions on basic freedoms such as expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
Additionally, he emphasized that living conditions have steadily worsened, with shortages of food, medicine, and essential services.
As part of this decision, Costa Rica also requested the Cuban government to withdraw its diplomatic personnel from San José, which effectively constitutes a de facto diplomatic break, although minimal consular functions will be maintained.
The Costa Rican embassy in Cuba had, in fact, not had diplomatic personnel since February 5, making its normal operations unfeasible.
President Chaves himself was even more emphatic when referring to the Cuban political system, stating that "the communist model has failed in Cuba", highlighting its historical dependence on external support to sustain itself.
In this context, the figure of Laura Fernández Delgado takes on special significance.
Elected in February, she will assume the presidency in May and, at 39 years old, will become the second woman in the country's history to come to power. Her political profile combines a background in Political Science with experience as Minister of Planning and Minister of the Presidency.
During her campaign, Fernández promised a government focused on economic growth, security and respect for the rule of law.
In this regard, he has advocated for strong measures against organized crime, including proposals such as the construction of a megaprison inspired by the Salvadoran model and the possibility of declaring states of emergency in areas affected by violence.
The meeting with Yotuel, far from being merely a cultural gesture, aligns with a clear political stance that prioritizes the defense of freedom and human rights, while also sending a direct message about the position that his administration will take regarding the situation in Cuba.
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