Elián González Holds the U.S. Accountable for Cuba's Challenges During Mexico Visit

Elián González Brotons has attributed the ongoing economic and social turmoil in Cuba to the actions of the United States. He expressed these views during an interview with Mexico's Canal 6 amidst the IX Continental Solidarity Meeting with Cuba, held from October 9 to 12 in Mexico City. "Just when we think we're finding a way to solve a problem, a new measure comes our way. They find ways to block resources and hinder our progress," González asserted, pointing to the U.S. embargo as the main cause of the island's struggles.

González, now a deputy, argued that "the crisis in the country is the result of many years of blockade" and campaigns aimed at stalling Cuba's development. He emphasized that the sanctions imposed by Washington "extend beyond borders and impact other nations." Speaking to the Mexican newspaper La Jornada, González insisted that the "ideals and legacy of Fidel Castro remain relevant" and cautioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio pose "a threat to Cuba and the region." Rubio, he claimed, "knows how to isolate Cuba effectively."

Known as the former "raft boy" due to the diplomatic conflict between Cuba and the United States during his childhood, González is now a deputy from Cárdenas, Matanzas, and an advocate of the Cuban government's official narrative. In the same interview with the Mexican outlet, he declared that Cuba "is not a state sponsor of terrorism," as alleged by the White House, and added that "the island has been a victim of state terrorism and an economic siege affecting the Cuban people."

During the event's closing, Cuban Ambassador to Mexico Marco Rodríguez Costa expressed gratitude for international solidarity and highlighted the "brotherhood" between the two countries. "Cuba is not alone," he proclaimed, celebrating the "unity of the Latin American and Caribbean peoples" in the face of Washington's policies.

The gathering included delegations from over twenty countries and figures aligned with the Cuban regime, including Aleida Guevara March, daughter of revolutionary figure Ernesto “Che” Guevara, under the theme "For Solidarity, Friendship, and Against Imperialism."

Elián González's visit to Mexico, as part of an event supporting the Cuban regime, carries both political and symbolic weight, representing—alongside Aleida Guevara—the generational continuation of revolutionary discourse. However, his presence has reignited divisions: while the government lauds him as a symbol of loyalty to the Revolution, many inside and outside Cuba view him as a figure manipulated by regime propaganda.