In a recent interview, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel fervently defended the island's political system, refuting claims that Cuba is a dictatorship. He boldly asserted that Cuba's socialist model is more democratic than the political framework of the United States. Speaking with Brazilian journalist Breno Altman on the Cuban Presidency's YouTube channel, Díaz-Canel declared, “Our electoral and political system is more democratic than that self-proclaimed system the U.S. tries to impose on everybody.”
He justified the absence of political pluralism by stating, “Being a single-party system doesn't mean we are less democratic or participatory.” This rhetoric attempts to paint a picture of a democratic facade, which contrasts sharply with the political reality on the ground.
Crisis and Denial
These statements emerge amidst a severe economic and social crisis in Cuba, characterized by long power outages, rampant inflation, scarcity of essential goods, and deteriorating healthcare and education services. Additionally, there's a historic wave of migration as many Cubans flee the hardships at home.
During the interview, Díaz-Canel also addressed student protests against recent internet rate hikes by ETECSA, attributing the unrest to “hate platforms” that allegedly sought to exploit the situation politically. “The enemy saw there was discontent and moved to capitalize on it. They started with lies and fake news,” he claimed, without providing concrete evidence.
The Regime's Political Philosophy
Díaz-Canel's comments reflect a political philosophy that rejects pluralism, suggesting that true democracy does not require political alternation or separation of powers, but rather unity under a legitimate “revolutionary” direction. This perspective is often reiterated in his speeches as the First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC).
In 2021, he explicitly stated that there is no separation of powers in Cuba, but a “unity of powers,” arguing that all state functions emanate from the people and can therefore be concentrated under a single structure. The PCC, as Cuba's only legal party, is portrayed as the sole guarantor of popular sovereignty.
Reality Versus Official Narrative
Despite Díaz-Canel's attempts to project an image of resilience, unity, and sovereignty, the reality experienced by many Cubans is starkly different. Living conditions continue to decline, the official discourse is increasingly discredited, and the political system offers no real avenues for debate or effective participation.
Against the backdrop of a collapsed economy and the absence of democratic oversight, Díaz-Canel's call to “respond with talent, creativity, and innovation” rings hollow for millions who endure daily hardships, power outages, shortages, and repression.
By denying that Cuba is a dictatorship and insisting on the moral superiority of his model, Díaz-Canel not only overlooks the lived experiences of the Cuban people but also shuts the door to any substantive political reform. His stance does not defend democracy; rather, it serves to legitimize a closed, hierarchical, and exclusionary regime.
Understanding Cuba's Political System
What does Díaz-Canel claim about Cuba’s democracy?
Díaz-Canel claims that Cuba's political and electoral system is more democratic than that of the United States, despite being a single-party system.
How does the Cuban government justify the absence of political pluralism?
The Cuban government argues that a single-party system does not equate to less democracy or participation, suggesting that unity under one party is sufficient for true democracy.
What are the main issues faced by Cuba currently?
Cuba is grappling with a deep economic and social crisis, marked by power outages, inflation, shortages of essential goods, and declining healthcare and education services.