The Cuban government has initiated a nationwide signature drive to express support for Nicolás Maduro and the so-called "popular, military, and police fusion" in Venezuela. This campaign is set to run from September 24 to 30 across workplaces, schools, and communities throughout the island. According to the official newspaper Granma, the campaign aims to endorse the Revolutionary Government's Declaration titled "Urgent Need to Prevent Military Aggression Against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela."
Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization for the Central Committee of the Communist Party, stated that once the campaign concludes, the signature books will be sent directly to the Venezuelan leader. He anticipates that "millions of Cubans" will endorse the document. The Cuban News Agency (ACN) amplified the call on social media, urging a "massive solidarity day" to show support for Venezuela's "legitimate president."
Although portrayed as a "spontaneous" act of solidarity, these initiatives function as a tool of social control. Those who do not participate risk being labeled, penalized at their workplaces or schools, or excluded from official activities. Thus, the signatures reflect coerced loyalty rather than genuine support for the Party and regime.
Political Pressure Over Individual Will
Mass mobilizations like these have become a staple in Cuba, where political pressure and surveillance outweigh individual freedom. The supposed "solidarity" with Maduro and the Bolivarian Revolution is, in reality, a test of internal obedience.
Ideology Over Economy
This campaign unfolds as the government prioritizes its 2025 goals: strengthening political-ideological work, defense, and internal order, over economic recovery. During the latest session of the National Assembly, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero emphasized that "politics is the foundation upon which all other actions must be built."
The focus on indoctrination and control, even amid an unprecedented economic crisis, shows the regime's preference for propaganda and social discipline over offering concrete solutions to the people's problems.
This initiative adds to a long list of propagandistic activities that, in practice, contribute little to the daily lives of Cubans, which are marked by scarcity, inflation, and inequality. For many, it is a campaign devoid of real value, aimed solely at demonstrating to the world—and especially to the Cuban populace—that the Party maintains absolute control over the citizenry.
Understanding Cuba's Political Climate and Its Impact
What is the purpose of Cuba's signature campaign in support of Nicolás Maduro?
The campaign is intended to showcase support for Nicolás Maduro and reinforce the perceived unity between Cuba and Venezuela against external military threats, while simultaneously serving as a tool for social control.
How does the Cuban regime enforce participation in these campaigns?
Participation is often coerced through social pressure, with potential consequences such as being labeled, penalized at work or school, or excluded from official activities for those who choose not to participate.
Why does the Cuban government prioritize political over economic goals?
The Cuban regime prioritizes political-ideological work to maintain control and ensure loyalty, even amidst economic struggles, as politics is considered the foundational element for all other government actions.