The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer called this Sunday for the construction of a unified and effective structure to confront the regime in Havana, using the return of María Corina Machado to Venezuela as a reference. In his message, he offered to support the leader chosen by that organization for Cuba.
"I am going to Cuba with the leader of that effective and functional Unit," wrote the founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) on his X account.
His statement does not constitute an announcement of an immediate return: it is linked to the formation of an opposition unit that can organize and support the people within the island.
Ferrer urged moving from speeches to a real structure and questioned, without naming names, those he described as "video game heroes." This is his full message:
"Let's learn from the Venezuelans and from María Corina: let's stop creating a functional structure beyond the 'talk' and trying to convince others of what we don't actually have. Let's create a functional unit that is even more effective than that of the Venezuelan opposition."
And the elected leader, if he is not in Cuba, should enter Cuba like María entered Venezuela. He just needs a Starlink kit, courage, and true patriotism… and to bring down the tyranny. I am going to Cuba with the leader of that effective and functional unity.
"Enough of playing video game heroes like some do. We need to move forward as others are doing, with courage and effectiveness, by organizing and supporting the people on the island."
The proposal combines a critique of the lack of opposition coordination with a personal commitment: Ferrer suggests choosing a leadership that operates within Cuba, supported by those willing to take that step.
The return of Machado as a reference
The message was posted after Machado confirmed his return to Venezuela after nearly ten months away from the country with a brief statement: "I am here. With you."
The leader had secretly left Venezuela in December 2025 by sea to Curacao, before traveling to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Since then, she has attempted to return at least seven times by various routes.
Among those episodes was the so-called "Operation Ithaca," in September 2026, when Venezuela denied entry on three consecutive occasions in less than 24 hours, through maritime and air routes from Panama City.
According to the information published about his return, this was made possible through an international diplomatic operation that encountered no opposition from the White House.
The videos shared this Sunday by Vente Venezuela showed their welcome at the sanctuary of the Divine Shepherdess in Santa Rosa, Lara state, and later in Yaracuy, amidst expressions of support from their followers.
From Spain, Edmundo González also celebrated the return and announced his intention to come back: "I will soon be with you and with her so that our country can truly move towards freedom. You all know it, this is until the end."
Ferrer reiterates his willingness to return to Cuba
The possibility of returning to the island had already been mentioned in recent statements from Ferrer. Just three days earlier, during an interview with Tania Costa, he stated: "If someone tells me I'm wasting my time, I'm going back to Cuba", explaining that he would be willing to do so by boat even if it meant returning to prison.
Ferrer left Cuba on October 13, 2025, when he arrived in Miami with his wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega Tamayo, and three of their children, after being released from Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba. The dissident described his departure as a forced exile under pressure from the regime.
Since then, it has maintained its international activity and support for political prisoners and their families. During its first year outside the island, it visited 13 European capitals and engaged in efforts in Washington.
On October 20, he claimed to be "100% sure" that the Cuban government would lose power and stated that its leaders would have planes ready to escape.
In its publication this Sunday, the emphasis was on organization: creating a functioning unit, choosing leadership, and strengthening work within Cuba, using Machado's return as an example of the action demanded by the Cuban opposition.
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