The Cuban historian Rolando Gallardo warns that Cuba is experiencing widespread discontent, but that no party or opposition organization has the real ability to capitalize on it, which he describes as "worrying."
In an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba, Gallardo pointed out that the main mistake of the opposition is applying conventional recipes to a situation that demands different responses. "Unfortunately, I believe that one of our main problems is that we are trying to find traditional solutions in an exceptional situation instead of exceptional solutions."
The historian, author of the book "The IV Reich. The Olive Green Connection," criticizes the proliferation of opposition parties in exile that lack popular support within Cuba. "I am amazed every time someone says we are going to create such-and-such party and we have the right to do so. Yes, you have every right, but that's not going anywhere."
Gallardo argues that these parties lack a law that supports them, cannot raise funds, do not have organized membership on the island, and therefore are not in a position to call for marches or exert real pressure on the regime.
"There is no opposition party or opposing organization that represents the Cuban population, especially in this situation of widespread discontent. And that is concerning," he stated.
This fragmentation is not an isolated perception. The opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer summarized it in October 2025 with a widely quoted phrase: “There is no cohesion, coordination, discipline. We have many fourth batters, but we don't have a team.”
The discontent that no one leads is, however, real and growing. The Cuban Conflict Observatory recorded more than 1,100 protests in April 2026, and Cubalex documented in March of that year the highest monthly number of demonstrations since the outbreak of 11J in 2021, with slogans that were no longer just economic but openly political.
In light of that void, Gallardo proposes to stop debating about parties and move towards a Transitional Civil Council. "To see online that there is a discussion about whether so-and-so made a party and how terrible and horrible it is that another party was created, because we are dividing, and that is the debate instead of talking about a Transitional Civil Council already."
The historian emphasizes that this council should not be composed of improvised figures, but rather of professionals with technical training: "We have prominent individuals who could lead a Transitional Council; we have legal experts. Mind you, I’m not talking about someone like Periquito Pérez, no, no, no. I'm talking about people who have knowledge due to their profession, highly qualified individuals."
That body would serve, in his view, as a bridge to Washington. "The American administration is an actor that cannot be disregarded, let alone say no to the Americans getting involved. They have to get involved. Especially because they are the creators of the Republic of Cuba, let's be clear about that."
Regarding the lack of democratic culture after six decades of dictatorship, Gallardo dismisses it as an argument for resignation: "We have been here for 60 years, and Cubans barely have a democratic culture today. But that doesn’t mean we should live forever subjected to this."
Exile has taken some steps in this direction: in March 2026, the "Liberation Agreement" was signed in Miami, a three-phase roadmap —liberation, stabilization, and democratization— with a plural provisional government, and in June the opposition ratified that plan in Madrid. The Council for Democratic Transition has also been created and is currently operational. However, for Gallardo, as long as the debate remains focused on who will found the next party, the window for an organized transition will remain open without anyone crossing it.
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