In a gesture commemorating what would have been the 99th birthday of Cuba's late dictator, Fidel Castro, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reinforced the bond between his administration and the Cuban regime. Maduro emphasized that both nations must be "more united than ever" in their opposition to what he described as the "supremacist forces of the American empire."
During a speech at the Miraflores Palace, delivered to a visiting Cuban delegation, Maduro drew parallels to resisting the "immoral mafias attacking nations globally," framing the close alliance with Havana as a heroic struggle against the United States. Among the delegation was Elián González, the young Cuban rafter who became a symbol of Cuban propaganda after being returned to Cuba from the United States.
Maduro, ideologically aligned with Cuba's leadership, highlighted the purported historical and value-based connection between the two countries, praising Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez as leaders of an "indestructible historical project." He declared, "If anything, the light of Fidel and Chávez shines brighter today than ever."
However, these assertions starkly contrast with reality: both Venezuela and Cuba operate under authoritarian regimes that suppress political freedom, stifle dissent, and rely heavily on economic and clientelist relationships to sustain their power. The tribute to Castro, who maintained strict communist control over Cuba for decades, underscores Maduro's narrative of portraying the Cuban government as a paragon of humanity and resilience, while overlooking the economic collapse and humanitarian crisis plaguing both nations.
The alliance between Caracas and Havana, forged with Hugo Chávez's rise to power in 1999, involves the exchange of Venezuelan resources for Cuban political and military support, entrapping both governments in a cycle of mutual dependence and global isolation. Maduro's focus on unity with Cuba is less about national interests and more about preserving shared authoritarian power that has eroded democracy and plunged citizens into poverty and repression.
On the previous Monday, Maduro issued a stern warning to the United States, particularly targeting President Donald Trump, following Washington's decision to double to $50 million the reward for information leading to his capture. Surrounded by top military and police officials during his television program "Con Maduro +," the Venezuelan leader ominously suggested that any attempt to apprehend him could trigger "the end of the American empire."
"To the imperialists and my people alike, I say: do not dare, for the response might mark the beginning of the end of the American empire. Leave those in peace who remain peaceful. I am a man of peace, but I am also a warrior," he declared defiantly.
Maduro's threat followed the U.S. Justice and State Departments' announcement of an increased bounty for his arrest, accusing him of leading the Cartel of the Suns and orchestrating massive cocaine shipments to the U.S. Meanwhile, Havana also condemned the statement from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who vowed continued efforts to bring Maduro to justice.
On social media platform X, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused Washington of acting as a "global judge" to justify "illegal and unilateral measures against Venezuela and its legitimate president." Echoing this sentiment, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla labeled the reward as "fraudulent," describing it as "a new act of aggression against that sister nation," and asserting that the United States "lacks legal and moral authority" for such actions.
Understanding the Venezuela-Cuba Alliance
Why does Nicolás Maduro emphasize unity with Cuba?
Nicolás Maduro highlights unity with Cuba as both nations share ideological ties and mutual interests in opposing U.S. policies. This alliance helps sustain their authoritarian regimes through political and military support.
What is the significance of Elián González's presence in Venezuela?
Elián González symbolizes Cuban propaganda and resistance against the U.S. His presence reinforces the narrative of a shared history and ideological alignment between Cuba and Venezuela.
How do Venezuela and Cuba benefit from their alliance?
The alliance allows Cuba to receive Venezuelan resources, while Venezuela gains political and military support from Cuba. This relationship helps both governments maintain power and resist international pressure.