A group of over 400 Cuban individuals, both within the island and abroad, have initiated a petition on Change.org calling on the Spanish government to extend the Democratic Memory Law beyond its scheduled expiration in October 2025. Addressed to King Felipe VI and President Pedro Sánchez, the petition details the challenges faced by descendants of Spaniards in Cuba in accessing the rights provided by the law, which allows children and grandchildren of Spanish nationals to apply for Spanish citizenship.
The petitioners acknowledge the law, in effect since 2022, as a significant step forward in recognizing historical rights. However, they highlight numerous administrative hurdles that risk excluding many applicants from the process. Chief among these issues are the sluggish procedures for obtaining necessary documents in Cuba and the bureaucratic hurdles at the Spanish Consulate in Havana. Additionally, the new electronic system meant for credentialing and scheduling appointments is reportedly ineffective in Cuba.
"Democratic memory should not remain just a legal formality; it must translate into tangible, fair access to the rights it guarantees," states the petition, which was initially signed by Carla Pérez. Many Cubans report that appointment slots vanish within seconds or that digital schedules fail to open at all. In Cuba, the situation is further exacerbated by frequent power outages, poor internet connectivity, and a lack of automated system responses.
Those unable to secure an appointment before the October 21, 2025 deadline risk losing the opportunity to apply, even if they have started the process correctly. The petition also criticizes the lack of resources at consulates, overwhelmed public service, and the alleged rise of a black market for credentials, where appointments are sold for hundreds of euros. Cases of forged ecclesiastical documents, such as baptismal certificates, reportedly sold for up to 3,000 euros, have also surfaced.
The Cuban petitioners propose four main measures: extending the law's duration, fixing the appointment system, increasing consulate staff and resources, and reaffirming commitments to exhumations and education on historical memory.
With less than three months until the Democratic Memory Law's expiration, uncertainty looms over many Cubans. The Spanish Consulate in Havana has assured that a new appointment system will be operational "soon," but no official date has been provided, leaving those affected anxious that a solution may arrive too late.
For numerous Cuban families, acquiring Spanish citizenship is more than just paperwork; it represents a chance to reconnect with their heritage and envision a different future in their ancestors' homeland.
Key Concerns about the Democratic Memory Law in Cuba
What is the main objective of the Democratic Memory Law?
The Democratic Memory Law aims to recognize historical rights by allowing descendants of Spanish nationals, specifically children and grandchildren, to apply for Spanish citizenship.
Why are Cubans requesting the extension of the law?
Cubans are urging the extension due to administrative delays and system inefficiencies that threaten to exclude many eligible applicants before the law's expiration in October 2025.
What challenges are faced by Cubans in the application process?
Challenges include slow document processing in Cuba, bureaucratic hurdles at the Spanish Consulate in Havana, and an ineffective electronic system for scheduling appointments.