On Wednesday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla spotlighted the Torch March in Havana as a demonstration of "anti-imperialist resistance," countering recent comments by Donald Trump, who forecasted the imminent downfall of the communist regime on the island.
“In direct response to President Trump's 'collapse' predictions from Iowa, thousands of Cubans, led by the youth, are marching tonight with torches through Havana's streets, honoring José Martí and his steadfast anti-imperialist stance,” Rodríguez stated on his X account (formerly Twitter).
Rodríguez's remarks came shortly after Trump, at a public gathering in Iowa, proclaimed that "Cuba will fail very soon" and the Caribbean nation is "on the brink of collapse," referencing the energy crisis and the loss of economic support from Venezuela.
The Cuban government used Tuesday night's traditional Torch March—an event organized by the Union of Young Communists (UJC) on the eve of José Martí's birthday—to try to project unity in the face of Washington's predictions of collapse.
However, social media images revealed a smaller turnout compared to previous years and noticeable public apathy.
Rodríguez avoided directly addressing the causes of the crisis, instead politicizing the Martí celebration, presenting it as a testament to resilience against U.S. rhetoric.
“We honor Martí and his unwavering anti-imperialist stance,” the foreign minister reiterated, echoing the regime's usual narrative.
During an informal gathering at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale, Iowa, Trump declared that “Cuba will fail very soon” and maintained that the regime persists “by sheer inertia” following the collapse of its main economic supporter, Venezuelan chavismo.
“It's truly a nation on the verge of failing,” Trump said, reminding that Havana relied on oil and money from Caracas, support he claimed “no longer exists.”
Trump's statements occur amid a tightening of Washington's policy toward the Cuban regime, driven by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who openly admitted before the Senate this week that “the United States seeks a regime change in Cuba.”
Insights into Cuba's Current Political Climate
What is the significance of the Torch March in Cuba?
The Torch March is a traditional event organized by the Union of Young Communists in Cuba to honor José Martí's birthday, symbolizing anti-imperialist resistance and unity against foreign predictions of regime collapse.
How did Donald Trump describe Cuba's economic situation?
Donald Trump described Cuba as "on the brink of collapse," attributing this to the energy crisis and the loss of economic support from Venezuela, which he claimed no longer exists.
What role does Marco Rubio play in U.S.-Cuba relations?
Marco Rubio, as the U.S. Secretary of State, has been instrumental in sharpening Washington's policy towards Cuba, advocating for regime change as openly stated before the Senate.