The head of Casa de las Américas, Abel Prieto, defended the Cuban regime with a discourse steeped in revolutionary fervor, following President Donald Trump's new executive order that declares a "national emergency" due to what he describes as a threat from Cuba to the security of the United States and the region.
In an extensive Facebook post, Prieto accused the "counter-revolution" of being "elated with Trump's executive order" and claimed that the opposition "believes or wants to believe that the Cuban Revolution is nearing its end."
According to Prieto, those celebrating the U.S. government's measure "once again underestimate the Cuban people, the Communist Party, and the Government" led by Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The former Culture Minister invoked the rhetoric of sacrifice and resilience, quoting Antonio Maceo with a martial phrase: "Whoever tries to take over Cuba will collect the dust of its soil soaked in blood unless they perish in the struggle."
He added that this legacy "belongs to Almeida, Fidel, Raúl, and Díaz-Canel, and is ingrained in the soul of the Cuban nation."
Prieto also referred to recent official events organized by the regime—like the January 27th March of the Torches—to demonstrate, according to him, that new generations support the continuity of the system. "They turned a blind eye to the massive March of the Torches, led by the new generations," he wrote.
In a grandiose tone, the cultural leader asserted that "many honorable people worldwide and in the United States will support the resistance of the small and brave David against a deceitful and cowardly Goliath, sick with arrogance and greed."
His message concluded with the customary rallying cry: "We will prevail!"
Abel Prieto's remarks contrast sharply with the growing unrest in Cuba, where the economic crisis, power outages, and food shortages continue to severely impact the population.
While the leaders persist in their heroic tone, thousands of Cubans are trying to emigrate, and others express their fatigue on social media over a narrative that many deem exhausted.
Understanding the Cuban Revolutionary Narrative
What was Abel Prieto's response to Trump's executive order?
Abel Prieto criticized the "counter-revolution" for celebrating the order and insisted that the Cuban Revolution is far from over, defending the resilience of the Cuban people and government.
How does Prieto view the new generations in Cuba?
Prieto believes that the new generations support the continuity of the revolutionary system, as demonstrated by their participation in events like the March of the Torches.
What are some of the challenges currently faced by the Cuban population?
Cuban citizens are experiencing a severe economic crisis, frequent power outages, and widespread food shortages, contributing to growing discontent.