Employees in the province of Matanzas are reportedly being coerced into signing lists for the "Mi Firma por la Patria" campaign, with threats of termination hanging over those who refuse. This alarming situation was brought to light by a report to CiberCuba, which has chosen to keep its source anonymous for safety reasons.
The whistleblower shared a personal account of rejecting the initiative led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, and subsequently facing threats of job loss. "My friend is being threatened with losing her job," the source revealed, stressing that the pressure extends beyond just one individual to affect everyone around them.
Fear as a Tool for Compliance
The pervasive use of fear as a mechanism for control is starkly illustrated in a telling account from the complaint: "My mom signed because she's scared." The individual behind the report believes this coercive practice isn't isolated to Matanzas, asserting, "This must be happening all over Cuba."
Widespread Coercion Beyond Workplaces
The intimidation isn't limited to workplaces. A screenshot from a messaging group named "Firmar por la patria" shows that similar tactics are being employed in educational settings. In this chat, one individual recounts being expelled from a school meeting for refusing to sign the document: "They kicked me out because they said my ideas don't align with revolutionary principles."
Some participants in the conversation openly expressed their dissent. "Today I broke down and said everything I felt," one wrote, adding defiantly, "They can take whatever action they want afterward. I don't care."
Escalation of Ideological Pressures
Another participant questioned the very foundation of the official discourse: "I don't know who would fight for this here." These reports emerge amid a backdrop of heightened ideological tensions driven by the regime. Since March 2026, the government has ramped up its militaristic rhetoric and the promotion of military service as a supposed patriotic duty, spreading this pressure to children and women alike.
The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces alongside regional military forces have amplified their revolutionary defense rhetoric during public events and in educational institutions.
Historical Context of Political Coercion
Forcing individuals to sign loyalty declarations in workplaces and schools is not a novel practice in Cuba. The regime has historically utilized these environments as instruments of political control, where refusal to participate in loyalty acts can result in career or academic repercussions.
Understanding the Impact of Ideological Coercion in Cuba
What is the "Mi Firma por la Patria" campaign?
The "Mi Firma por la Patria" campaign is an initiative by the Cuban government requiring citizens to sign as a demonstration of ideological loyalty to the regime.
How are workers being pressured to sign?
Workers are being threatened with the loss of their jobs if they refuse to sign the campaign lists, creating an atmosphere of fear and coercion.
Is this coercion limited to workplaces?
No, similar coercive tactics are being reported in educational institutions, where students face expulsion for not conforming to ideological expectations.