Chilean presidential hopeful Jeannette Jara, representing the Communist Party of Chile, expressed in a televised interview that "Cuba is clearly not a democracy," while emphasizing that the Cuban people should be the ones to address their nation's transformation. She made these remarks during the "Car Curo a La Moneda" program on 24 Hours channel when questioned about her views on political regimes like those in Cuba and Venezuela.
"Reflecting on Cuba has been painful for me. It is clearly not a democracy, but they need to resolve it themselves," Jara stated, referring to the island's political climate. She further pointed out the severe humanitarian crisis Cuba faces, exacerbated by what she termed the "blockade," as well as its isolated geography and distinct political system. "I believe they have enough problems without being kicked while they're down," she remarked.
In a previous interview, Jara had denied the characterization of Cuba as a dictatorship and now avoided directly answering that persistent question. Regarding Venezuela, she commented, "No one leaves their country, like the millions of Venezuelans have, because they are doing well," highlighting the exodus caused by the crisis in the South American nation.
Jara's statements have sparked reactions across social media, particularly given her affiliation with the Communist Party of Chile, a group historically aligned with leftist governments in Latin America. Jeannette Jara, who previously served as the Minister of Labor under the current administration of Gabriel Boric, stands as one of the prominent presidential contenders for her coalition in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Chile's Political Dynamics and International Relations
What are Jeannette Jara's views on Cuba?
Jeannette Jara views Cuba as lacking democracy, though she believes that the Cuban people should be the ones to initiate change in their country.
How has Jara's statement affected public perception?
Her statement has generated significant reactions on social media due to her affiliation with the Communist Party of Chile, which has traditionally supported leftist regimes in Latin America.
What did Jara say about the situation in Venezuela?
Jara noted that the mass exodus of Venezuelans indicates the severity of their crisis, implying that people do not leave their country under positive circumstances.