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Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro, categorically denied having privileges or immunity in Cuba because of his surname during an interview with the Colombian channel Red+ Noticias from Havana, amid power outages during the broadcast.
"I have no privilege or immunity, my content is not political, and I make a subliminal critique rather than one of violence; I respect the government," stated the influencer and businessman when asked if his family background affords him special protection on the island, where activists are repressed.
Sandro described himself as "a proud citizen of a small town, 100% Cuban" and assured that he walks freely through Havana without escorts: "I walk freely. I go without security, without privilege."
The interview comes at a time of unusual media exposure for the grandson of the late dictator.
On March 22, The New York Times published an extensive profile titled the grandson of Fidel who satirizes the regime from privilege.
On that same day, he was also interviewed by CNN, where he stated that the majority of Cubans want capitalism, not communism and criticized Miguel Díaz-Canel for not doing "a good job."
In the interview with Red+ Noticias he stated that "there are many things that are not right and everything that needs to be changed must be changed."
In response to questions about the contrast between his lifestyle and the crisis facing the Cuban people, Sandro acknowledged that starting a business on the island is "really tough, really tough" and that the energy crisis "makes all kinds of business difficult."
He pointed out that economic openness is "an urgent necessity, brother. Urgent, urgent," and denounced that there is "too much bureaucracy" that acts as a "very painful" brake.
Regarding the criticism he receives on social media for posting images of well-being while millions of Cubans suffer from blackouts and shortages of food and medicine, Sandro admitted to making "a subliminal, but very subtle critique", and explained that he does not take more direct positions because "I respect the government because I live on the island."
The grandson of Fidel Castro owns the Bar EFE in Vedado, which charges a monthly admission fee of 1,000 Cuban pesos and a minimum of 15,000 pesos per table, equivalent to two average Cuban salaries. He has over 150,000 followers on Instagram and defines himself as an influencer of humor, cinema, and gothic aesthetics. In February 2021, he sparked controversy by posting a video flaunting his Mercedes-Benz on Cuban roads.
Regarding the situation in the country, Sandro did not shy away from the seriousness of the moment: There is a collapse, there is a real collapse, but not a collapse that lasts forever, he said, assuring that efforts are being made to reverse it.
When asked about the statements made by President Donald Trump, who claimed that Cuba is "next" following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Sandro replied that Trump is "an unpredictable person" and that his words should be taken as a warning, but not as a threat of war as long as dialogue exists.
Regarding his future, he was categorical: "Cuba. In Cuba 100%. I like being in my country." He stated this and dismissed the idea of settling outside the island under any change scenario.
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