Spanish actor Pepe Viyuela publicly expressed his support for the Cuban regime in a video released by the portal Cubainformación on February 19, 2026. This was part of a campaign titled "Spanish Culture with Cuba, Against Trump’s Stranglehold."
In his statement, Viyuela declared, "I want to clearly express my support for the Cuban people, who are unjustly suffering under this brutal, murderous, and criminal blockade by the United States." The actor argued that "Cuba, throughout its history and especially in recent decades, has been a clear example of the defense of universal healthcare, health rights, and human rights, evidently."
He further claimed that if the Cuban healthcare system is "failing," it is "precisely because of the blockade, the lack of means, and resources, not because the personnel there aren't sufficiently trained, but because the arrival of supplies and everything that could allow healthcare to function has been prohibited."
Viyuela added, "What I would demand now, from this humble position as a citizen, is for this blockade to end, for the Cuban people not to be punished for obviously spurious and multinational interests, and for this right to health, which they have defended for decades, to be respected."
This statement is part of a series of declarations from Spanish cultural figures published by Cubainformación under the label "Solidarity with Cuba." The same video also features actors Emilio Gutiérrez Caba and Carlos Olalla; actresses Amparo Climent and Teresa Del Olmo; and writer Carmen Barrios.
Emilio Gutiérrez Caba described the U.S. president as "that thug, that shameless, that bandit in the White House, that piece of animal currently attacking all of humanity." Carlos Olalla referred to Donald Trump as "this murderous despot supporting genocides." Amparo Climent spoke of "that animal in the White House," while Teresa Del Olmo mentioned "a reckless and miserable president living in the U.S. White House." Carmen Barrios stated she was "horrified by what the United States is doing, by this new blockade."
The video featuring Viyuela's comments was shared on social media platform X by account @_TereFelipe_, stating: "While Cuban artists in Miami call for invasions and blockades against their people... Spanish artists stand in solidarity with the Cuban cause... Fascinating, eh??? Thanks to Pepe Viyuela for this!" As of February 20, 2026, the post had garnered over 172,000 views.
Portraying Cuba as a "clear example" in the defense of human rights starkly contrasts with the reality documented for years by independent organizations, which have reported arbitrary detentions, political prisoners, restrictions on freedom of expression, and persecution of activists and dissidents. In this context, defining the Cuban system as a model in human rights is, at the very least, deeply controversial.
In healthcare, official discourse has historically used public health as one of its main political banners. However, the population has faced chronic medication shortages, lack of basic supplies, hospital deterioration, and deficiencies that are part of a broader structural crisis for years.
Attributing the current deterioration solely to the U.S. embargo overlooks the debate about internal management, the economic model, and the responsibility of Cuban authorities for the country's situation, an element absent in the messages disseminated within this support campaign.
Questions on Cuban Healthcare and U.S. Embargo
How does the U.S. embargo impact Cuba's healthcare system?
The U.S. embargo restricts access to essential supplies and resources, which the Cuban government attributes as a primary reason for the healthcare system's struggles. Critics argue that internal mismanagement and economic policies also play significant roles.
What are the main criticisms of Cuba's human rights record?
Cuba has faced criticism for arbitrary detentions, political prisoners, restricted freedom of expression, and persecution of dissidents and activists, as documented by independent human rights organizations.