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Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla published a message on social media this Saturday, asserting that the United States applies a "fierce blockade" on Cuba precisely because it recognizes the viability of its socialist system and the strength of the government under attack.
The statements come a day after Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Cuban regime as "incompetent" and called for a complete change on the island, asserting that the only thing worse than a communist is an incompetent communist.
Rodríguez Parrilla built his argument on a logic that is the opposite of Washington's: "There is no need for such an asymmetric, abusive, and ruthless aggression against a government that is deemed incompetent," wrote the chancellor.
The official went further and attributed the U.S. pressure to an implicit acknowledgment of the regime's strength: "The U.S. resorts to this brutal onslaught because it is aware of the strength of the government under attack, the viability of its socialist system, and, above all, its demonstrated commitment to social justice and solidarity".
The narrative of Rodríguez Parrilla directly contradicts the position of the Trump administration, which has labeled Cuba a failed state and has articulated a policy of maximum pressure to force a regime change.
Rubio, the main spokesperson for that policy, stated last Friday that "the economy of Cuba needs to change, and that economy cannot change unless its system of government also changes," and demanded changes on three fronts: the people in charge, the system of government, and the economic model.
Trump himself has stated that "Cuba is in very bad shape" and has raised the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of the island, pointing out that Cuba is next on his government's agenda after Venezuela and Iran.
Economic data from independent sources contradict the official Cuban narrative of viability. The Economic Intelligence Unit forecasts a contraction of the Cuban GDP of 7.2% in 2026, which would result in a cumulative drop of 23% since 2019.
In practice, the energy crisis affecting the island is devastating: power outages last between 15 and 25 hours daily, hospitals suspend non-urgent surgeries, ambulances are lacking fuel, and schools remain closed.
In mid-March, Cuba experienced its sixth national blackout in 18 months, with only 1,140 megawatts available against a demand of 2,347 megawatts.
The crisis intensified following the executive order signed by Trump at the end of January, which imposes tariffs of up to 50% on countries that supply oil to Cuba. Mexico suspended its crude oil shipments, and the island also lost 26,000 daily barrels from Venezuela after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
For his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío has confirmed that the regime will not discuss the irrevocability of socialism, the hegemonic role of the Communist Party, or the release of political prisoners in any negotiations with Washington.
Rubio summarized the U.S. position with a direct warning: There will be an agreement or we will do what we have to do.
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