The Popular Party (PP) included in its electoral program for the general elections on November 29 an explicit commitment to support the democratic transition in Cuba and to demand the release of political prisoners on the island. The document, titled "National Reconstruction", was presented by Alberto Núñez Feijóo on Tuesday, November 10, in Madrid, two days before the official start of the electoral campaign.
The program includes 249 measures spread across 82 pages and four chapters. Its introduction warns that it outlines what a PP government will do "come what may" during its term, which gives it a sense of firm commitment to the electorate.
Point 244, framed within the foreign policy block "We will reclaim our rightful place in the world," explicitly condemns three regimes in the region: "We condemn the dictatorships of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and will support their transition to democracy."
The full text of that section goes beyond condemnation: “We will demand the release of political prisoners and support the transition to democracy, particularly in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Venezuela needs an electoral timetable now. We will demand the release of all political prisoners and support dissidents. We will back the opposition leader, María Corina Machado.”
It is an electoral promise, not a measure approved by the Spanish government currently led by Pedro Sánchez. The elections were called early on October 5th, following the parliamentary rejection of two housing decrees with votes against from the PP, Vox, and Junts.
The commitment regarding Cuba does not emerge out of nowhere in this program. In August 2026, Feijóo had already promised that if he were to become President, Spain would work alongside the United States to ensure that “prosperity and freedom reach Cuba”. The party has also called for Spain to promote the suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Havana within the European Union.
In February 2026, Feijóo had a phone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during which they discussed Latin America, NATO, and Ukraine. Following that exchange, the leader of the PP posted on X: “My commitment: that Spain will be a reliable partner for our allies”.
The current Madrid context reinforces the bond between the Spanish right and the Cuban opposition. Activist Rosa María Payá met this Wednesday with the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and stated that "Cuba is closer to regaining its freedom than many imagine". Days earlier, Payá had presented in the Spanish capital the plan "Cuba at the threshold," a roadmap for a democratic transition structured in four phases: liberation, stabilization, reconstruction, and democratization.
The electoral campaign kicks off this Friday, November 13, at 00:00 hours, and the elections will take place on November 29. If the PP secures the necessary majority to govern, point 244 of “National Reconstruction” would transition from an electoral promise to Spain's official foreign policy towards Cuba.
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