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The Colombian lawyer and presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has publicly proposed that Cuba be transformed into a Free Associated State of the United States, in a manner similar to that of Puerto Rico.
The statement was made in a post on the social network X, where he outlined his vision for the political future of the island and the role it has played in Latin America.
In his message, De la Espriella stated: “The United States is going to free Cuba”, and he added that “the best way to do this is to turn it into a Free Associated State, like Puerto Rico.”
In their opinion, this formula would lay the groundwork for the reconstruction of the country after decades of crisis.
The candidate argued that "there is no way to rebuild the disaster of over 60 years of communism without a framework of stability, institutional integrity, and real freedom."
In that regard, he advocated for the necessity of a deep structural change that guarantees sustainable political and economic conditions.
De la Espriella also provided a geopolitical interpretation of Cuba's role in the region.
In his post, he pointed out that the island has been "the head of the snake: the brain of communism in Latin America for decades," from where "an ideology has spread that has impoverished nations and subdued peoples."
In that regard, he noted that the weakening of other regional allies has not diminished that influence. "Venezuela has already fallen, which was part of the body of that serpent. But the head remains alive: it is Cuba."
The message also included direct criticisms of Colombian political figures. The presidential candidate stated that “Iván Cepeda knows that the moment has arrived”; and warned that the senator “intends to turn Colombia into the new head of the snake of communism in the region.”
The publication concludes with a political call to citizens: “The question is clear and direct: are we going to allow this?”, it questioned, accompanied by campaign slogans such as “Firm for the Homeland!” and “Let’s Win in the First Round!”.
De la Espriella's statements come in a regional context marked by political tensions and debates about the future of leftist governments in Latin America.
They also coincide with a time of increased international pressure on the Cuban regime, amidst firmer policies coming from Washington and internal discussions in the United States regarding the extent of those actions.
The Colombian candidate's proposal adds a new element to the international debate on Cuba by suggesting a model of political relations with the United States as a means to transform the current system on the island.
Abelardo de la Espriella, known as "El Tigre," is a Colombian-American-Italian lawyer and businessman who currently leads the "Defensores de la Patria" movement as a presidential candidate for Colombia in 2026.
Who is Abelardo de la Espriella?
His political proposal is defined by a far-right ideology focused on a "tough on crime" approach, a drastic reduction of the state apparatus through the elimination of ministries, and the strengthening of private property and free market principles.
Furthermore, its international agenda seeks to withdraw the country from organizations such as the UN and the IACHR, while proposing to restore diplomatic ties with Israel.
In the social and judicial sphere, De la Espriella promotes a conservative agenda that includes the defense of traditional family values, opposition to abortion, feminism, and same-sex adoption. Among his most radical campaign promises are the termination of current peace processes, the closure of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), and the authorization for civilians to carry firearms.
The candidate justifies his ambition under a providentialist premise, stating that his decision is a response to a divine calling to protect national values.
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