The grandson of Fidel Castro and Havana influencer, Sandro Castro, openly criticized President Miguel Díaz-Canel in an exclusive interview with CNN, stating that the leader is not doing a good job with the decisions Cuba needs.
"For me, he is not doing a good job, because he should have done a lot of things a while ago that have not been done well and that are currently harming us," declared Sandro Castro, 33, during a conversation in his apartment in Havana, an area affected by frequent blackouts.
The statements are striking coming from a member of the family that founded the system headed by Díaz-Canel, and they reflect the level of wear and tear that the regime is experiencing amid one of the worst economic and energy crises in its recent history.
Sandro Castro also declared himself openly pro-capitalist, a stance that contrasts with his grandfather's legacy.
"There are many people in Cuba who think in a capitalist way and want capitalism with sovereignty in Cuba," he stated.
When the journalist asked what Fidel Castro would say upon learning that his grandson considers himself more capitalist than communist, Sandro responded cautiously: "He was a person who had his principles. Everyone is who they are, obviously, but he also respected other people. As I said, that's my way of thinking."
The grandson of the historical leader of the dictator also acknowledged the hardships faced by the Cuban people, although he admitted to having an electricity generator, an advantage that most Cubans do not have.
"We need to fight, as all Cubans say. It’s hard, very hard… even for a Castro. You suffer through thousands of difficulties: one day there’s no electricity, no water, goods don’t arrive… it’s very tough," he noted.
Sandro Castro is the owner of Bar EFE in Havana's Vedado district, where the entrance fee is 1,000 Cuban pesos per month and a minimum consumption of 15,000 pesos per table is required, equivalent to two months of the average Cuban salary.
Despite that, he insisted that his surname does not grant him any special advantages: "My surname is my surname. I am proud of it, of course, but I do not see the help you mention. I am just like any other citizen."
Regarding the widespread discontent in Cuban society, Sandro Castro was straightforward: "The majority of Cubans want capitalism, not communism. And that has created differences and, sadly, hatred."
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