Once known as the child rafter, now a deputy and staunch advocate for the Cuban regime, Elián González spearheaded a march on Saturday to mark another year since the so-called "Battle of Ideas" began.
The event, as reported by the Cuban News Agency (ACN), saw González accompanied by members of his family, including "his beautiful daughter."
The procession started at Colonel Verdugo Avenue, stretching from Ayllón to Ruiz, and concluded at the Museum of the Battle of Ideas in the city of Matanzas.
At the museum, an exhibition was unveiled showcasing "drawings by students from various educational levels, depicting the struggle for Elián's return to Cuba."
Joining the march were Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Matanzas, and Marieta Poey Zamora, the provincial governor.
Symbolism Amidst Societal Struggles
Despite Cuba's ongoing structural crisis, the regime continues to allocate resources to the empty pomp of its propaganda efforts.
Twenty-five years after the incident that made him a symbol of the conflict between Cuba and the United States, the former child rafter now fervently supports the very system that once used him as a political emblem. From his position of influence, he blames the "empire" for the island's woes.
Last October, González pointed fingers at the United States government for the severe crisis in Cuba, claiming that the island "does not make significant mistakes."
The Historical Context of the "Battle of Ideas"
Initiated by Fidel Castro in 2000, the "Battle of Ideas" was a massive political and propaganda campaign, catalyzed by González's case, aiming to reinforce state control.
Understanding the Impact of the "Battle of Ideas" in Cuba
What is the "Battle of Ideas" in Cuba?
The "Battle of Ideas" was a large-scale political and propaganda campaign launched by Fidel Castro in 2000, using Elián González's case to strengthen state control and promote the regime's ideologies.
Who is Elián González?
Elián González is a Cuban national who, as a child, became the center of an international custody and immigration controversy between Cuba and the United States. He is now a deputy and a vocal supporter of the Cuban regime.
How does Elián González view the current crisis in Cuba?
Elián González attributes the severe crisis in Cuba to the United States, claiming that major errors are not committed on the island itself.