Manuel Milanés, a Cuban entrepreneur and dissident living in Miami, has voiced sharp criticism against Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his recent trip to the country. In an interview with the local outlet OKDIARIO, Milanés expressed deep concerns over Spain's political trajectory, likening it to the early signs of communism he experienced in Cuba and later observed in Venezuela.
Recognizing Socialism's Signs
During his stay at a hotel in Spain, Milanés described a moment of realization. After turning on the television, he felt compelled to switch it off within five minutes, remarking, "It felt like I was back in Cuba." He warns that Spain is gradually "normalizing" a form of socialism that, although more subdued and polished than that of Cuba or Venezuela, follows a similar blueprint: state expansion, public-funded propaganda, and the erosion of free markets.
According to Milanés, this version of socialism—what he calls "socialism with anesthesia"—poses significant dangers by lulling society with promises that demand no effort. "It's a society that will produce idlers," he cautioned.
Lessons from the Past
Expressing his overall concern, Milanés stated, "I leave Spain worried because I've seen a lot of socialism." He compared Spain's current situation to his experiences with Venezuelans in the 1990s, when he warned them about the destructive potential of Chávez's regime. "They told me, 'We have oil, we have a strong right-wing. We can remove Chávez whenever we want.' And look at Venezuela now. It's the same as in Cuba. Do not underestimate the socialists," he warned.
Economic Implications
When questioned about the Spanish government's role in the economy, the Cuban dissident suggested that Spain is in a transition from a free market to communism. "Now, it's a gentle socialism, a modern socialism, a pretty socialism that doesn't repress. So, people see it as milder, like socialism with anesthesia, but it's still socialism," he claimed.
A Warning from Experience
Milanés emphasized that state economic intervention, rather than protecting citizens, destroys savings, work ethic, and the culture of effort. His words reflected profound concern over what he sees as a clear ideological shift.
"They will cripple a society that will produce idlers, providing no incentives, as I sadly witness. That Spanish spirit of work, effort, capitalism—I didn't see much of it on the streets. It scared me. It made me feel uneasy," he confessed.
The Cuban dissident concluded by urging Spaniards to read Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto to understand what he perceives as pure socialism in Spain, not social democracy. "I don't mean to be alarmist or chaotic, but I see it clearly. Fidel implemented it more abruptly because he seized power by force, and having the weapons, he imposed it. But Chávez took it via elections, and look at what's happening in Venezuela," he reiterated.
His testimony stands as a warning from someone who claims to have witnessed the end of the path that—according to him—Spain might just be beginning to tread.
Understanding Socialism's Impact on Spain
What concerns does Manuel Milanés have about Spain's political direction?
Manuel Milanés is worried that Spain is adopting a form of socialism that resembles the early stages of communism he witnessed in Cuba and Venezuela. He fears this political shift could lead to state expansion, public-funded propaganda, and a weakened free market.
How does Milanés describe the current state of socialism in Spain?
Milanés describes it as "socialism with anesthesia," a milder form that does not appear repressive but still follows a dangerous pattern by lulling society with promises that require no effort.
What historical examples does Milanés use to support his warnings?
Milanés cites Cuba and Venezuela as examples, noting how both countries followed similar paths of socialism that led to significant economic and social decline.