Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro and an influencer with over 150,000 followers on Instagram, granted an exclusive interview to CNN from his apartment in Havana, where he openly criticized President Miguel Díaz-Canel, defended capitalism, and acknowledged the difficulties of the crisis facing Cuba.
Castro, introduced by the American media as a businessman and owner of Bar EFE in Vedado, did not hold back in his criticisms of the government. "For me, the president is not doing a good job. He should have made important decisions long ago that are now affecting us," he stated.
He also acknowledged the impact of the crisis on his own daily life, although he admitted to having his own electric generator that provides him with better conditions than most Cubans. "We must fight, as all Cubans say. It’s hard, very hard, even for a Castro. There is a lack of electricity, a lack of water, products are not arriving, it's very difficult," he declared.
Regarding the overall economic situation, he was direct: "The economic situation in Cuba is hitting everyone, especially those at the bottom."
One of the most striking moments of the interview was his defense of capitalism as a model desired by the majority of Cubans. "There are many people in Cuba who think in a capitalist way and who want a capitalism with sovereignty," he stated.
He went further by pointing out the ideological fracture that exists in Cuban society: "Most Cubans want capitalism, not communism. This has created divisions and, sadly, also hatred."
Sandro Castro also made ironic remarks about a possible economic opening, including jokes about Donald Trump's arrival in Cuba and the construction of a Trump Tower in Havana.
When asked about the privileges he might have because of his last name, he firmly denied it: "My last name is my last name, and I am proud of it, but I don't see the help you mention. I'm just like any other citizen."
The interview takes place against the backdrop of increasing international pressure on the Cuban regime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has highlighted the need for new leadership on the island, which could imply changes in Díaz-Canel's presidency.
In October 2025, Sandro Castro had already distanced himself from the official ideology by publicly stating: "Revolutionary yes. Communist no. I respect my country and government."
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