Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott has suggested that the Cuban regime could potentially meet its end by 2026 or 2027. He attributes this forecast to the anticipated collapse of the Venezuelan chavismo and a wave of political changes he believes will ripple across the region.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Scott highlighted that the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces signals the start of a transformative process across the hemisphere.
"This marks the beginning of change in Venezuela. Next, we will address Cuba, and Nicaragua will also see changes. Next year, we'll have a new president in Colombia. Democracy is making a comeback in this hemisphere," he stated.
The senator referenced his 2024 appearance on the program 60 Minutes, where he had already warned that Maduro's days were "numbered." He emphasized that Maduro's eventual ousting—whether due to internal or external pressures—would directly impact the Cuban regime, which he described as reliant on Venezuelan support.
Following Maduro's recent arrest and extradition to New York, Scott reiterated his prediction in an interview with NewsNation, asserting that the end of the "Miguel Díaz-Canel regime" is merely a matter of time.
"Things always take longer than expected. It might happen this year, maybe next, but it will happen. We will achieve democracy," Scott declared.
The senator's comments align with recent statements from President Donald Trump, who, aboard Air Force One this past Sunday, asserted that "Cuba is on the brink of falling," further fueling expectations of significant political change on the island after more than six decades under communist rule.
Potential Political Shifts in Cuba and the Region
Why does Rick Scott believe the Cuban regime will collapse?
Rick Scott believes the Cuban regime will collapse following the downfall of the Venezuelan regime, which he sees as a catalyst for broader political change in the region.
What impact does Scott predict from Maduro's capture?
Scott predicts that Maduro's capture by U.S. forces signals the start of a transformation across the region, impacting nations like Cuba and Nicaragua.
What did President Trump say about Cuba?
President Trump stated that "Cuba is on the brink of falling," suggesting imminent political changes on the island.