Carolina Barrero, director of Citizenship and Freedom, revealed that neither she nor her team were aware that Amelia Calzadilla —the organization's coordinator— was planning to found a political party, and that they learned about the news through social media, just like anyone else, despite Barrero and Calzadilla being together in Brussels days before the announcement, meeting with European parliamentarians.
"Look, we were just as perplexed as anyone else because neither the team nor I knew about this, and we found out through social media," Barrero stated in an interview with Tania Costa from Berlin.
Calzadilla had participated in an interview on CiberCuba just one, two, or three days before announcing the founding of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party (PLOC), a center-right liberal political organization inspired by the ideals of José Martí and free market principles, with the motto "Justice, Dignity, and Prosperity."
Barrero acknowledged Calzadilla's right to participate in politics but emphasized that the decision has direct consequences for his continuity in the organization.
"With all those factors, she is now fulfilling her role as president of that party. Everything in life has consequences and conveys a very clear message," said Barrero.
The director of Citizenship and Freedom explained that the incompatibility is structural. "Citizenship and Freedom is an organization that defends civil and political rights, but it is not an ideological organization. In other words, it is not a political party. We are a human rights organization and we cannot be linked to or defend any particular ideology."
Barrero clarified that Calzadilla's departure does not jeopardize the continuity of Ciudadanía y Libertad. "The organization existed before Amelia was part of the team and will continue to exist after she is no longer on the team."
When asked if she herself would make the leap into party politics, Barrero responded without hesitation. "Of course, yes, of course. If I feel that at some point I need to do it, I will."
However, she specified that that moment has not yet arrived. "Right now, I am focused on promoting democratic culture," she said, adding that this is what Cuba needs at this moment.
"I think this is what the country needs now, more than presidential candidates. It needs to elevate the democratic culture so that citizens truly know how to discern and choose the democratic leaders they really want."
Barrero also warned about the presence of "opportunistic charlatans" and "Pied Pipers of Hamelin" in the opposition politics, although he acknowledged that they have the right to participate. The important thing, he insisted, is that citizens have enough information to avoid being seduced.
Calzadilla and Barrero had visited the European Parliament together in April to request the suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Cuba, just weeks before the announcement of Calzadilla's party foundation.
Barrero concluded the topic with a farewell message to his former collaborator. "What we can do is wish her good luck in this political initiative that she has undertaken with other members, with other people who met yesterday, and nothing more, and long live plurality."
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