Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that Cuban youths must prioritize "humanism" and the values of the Revolution over the influence of social media, which he described as a strategy of "cultural colonization" and manipulation of public opinion.
The statements were made during an interview granted on June 19 to Dominican journalist Roberto Cavada at the Palace of the Revolution, aired this Wednesday by Telenoticias from the Dominican Republic.
In response to a question about young people on social media asking for U.S. intervention or inviting President Donald Trump to "come to Cuba," the leader stated that the main challenge is to confront the impact of the "algorithm."
"I believe that we must ensure our youth prioritize the humanism that is part of our identity and is at the heart of the Revolution over the algorithm," he expressed, according to the transcript published by the Presidency of Cuba.
During the interview, Díaz-Canel stated that digital platforms foster a "cultural colonization," a "cultural neocolonization," and the "banalization" of society by promoting—according to him—values associated with individualism and consumerism.
The leader insisted that young people must "believe in themselves," distinguish themselves by their culture and knowledge, and not by material possessions.
He also rejected any possibility of political integration with the United States.
"You would have to be very foolish not to realize that Cuba's alternative could never be annexation to the United States. There is no future for Cuba with annexation to the United States," he stated.
The statements come in a context marked by the largest migratory exodus in Cuba's recent history. Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 1.79 million Cubans left the island, while the country recorded the lowest birth rate in the last six decades in 2024.
When referring to emigration, Díaz-Canel downplayed the uniqueness of the Cuban situation and stated that it is a global phenomenon.
«Emigration is a global issue. In migration issues, it is always the youth who emigrate the most, as they have more energy, more rebelliousness, and greater possibilities to migrate,» he stated.
Various independent surveys, however, reflect a profound disenchantment among the young population. Recent studies indicate that 93% of Cubans aged 20 to 40 would emigrate if given the opportunity, while 97% of young people aged 18 to 30 disapprove of the government's performance.
The interview is part of the communication strategy that Díaz-Canel has developed in 2026 with international media. In recent months, he has given interviews to NBC News, Newsweek, elDiario.es, Canal Red, and now Telenoticias, at a time when Cuba is experiencing a profound economic, energy, and demographic crisis.
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