U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pointed out that the core issue plaguing Cuba is its absence of a functioning economy.
In an interview with Bloomberg, the Cuban-American politician emphasized that beyond the lack of freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights, "the fundamental problem is that Cuba lacks an economy."
Rubio, attending the Munich Security Conference over the weekend, criticized the regime's leadership for its desire to maintain absolute control: "They don't know how to navigate out of this predicament. Even though they've been presented with opportunities, they seem unable or unwilling to grasp them."
He stressed that the only way for the U.S. to ease its stance on Cuba is by promoting greater political and economic freedom for its citizens: "It's crucial for the Cuban people to have more freedom, not just politically but also economically," he remarked.
"The regime fears losing control if the Cuban people become self-sufficient," Rubio added, highlighting the regime's reluctance to empower its citizens.
The senator criticized the failed economic model in Cuba, describing the regime's situation as dire due to the lack of external subsidies from other nations.
He also noted the Trump Administration's readiness to provide additional humanitarian aid.
When asked about future policies, Rubio remained cautious: "Obviously, these matters require careful planning and time to execute correctly."
Rubio concluded by hinting at the potential for progress, saying, "Their willingness to start paving the way in this direction is a possible path forward."
Understanding Marco Rubio's Critique of Cuba's Economy
What did Marco Rubio identify as Cuba's main issue?
Marco Rubio identified the fundamental issue in Cuba as the lack of a functioning economy.
How does Rubio suggest the U.S. could alleviate pressure on Cuba?
Rubio suggests that the U.S. could ease pressure on Cuba by fostering greater political and economic freedoms for its people.
What fears does the Cuban regime have according to Rubio?
According to Rubio, the Cuban regime fears losing control if its citizens become economically self-sufficient.