Amelia Calzadilla, a Cuban activist now based in Madrid, has unveiled her latest endeavor: the creation of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party. On Monday, she explained that her entry into the political arena was not a premeditated decision, but rather the outcome of enduring years of threats, defamation, and harassment for exposing the stark realities of life in Cuba.
"Back in 2022, I wasn't an opponent, not even an activist... I was simply a Cuban mother discontent with watching my loved ones suffer due to an inept and corrupt system," Calzadilla expressed on her social media platforms when announcing her new political role.
The Transformation Driven by Oppression
Calzadilla's transformation was propelled by the Cuban regime's oppressive tactics. "The harsh lesson I learned was that Castro's propaganda spares no honest person. It was their relentless threats, discredit, defamation, and harassment that pushed me into becoming an activist and an opposition figure," she stated.
Having spent 32 years in Cuba, Calzadilla, along with her husband and three children, sought emotional and psychological refuge by moving into exile in November 2023, escaping mounting legal and social pressures.
Gaining Public Profile
Calzadilla first gained public attention in June 2022 when an eight-minute Facebook video where she criticized the Cuban leadership went viral, triggering a slander campaign by State Security.
Now residing in Madrid, Calzadilla has intensified her activism. She serves as the program coordinator for Citizenship and Freedom, an organization dedicated to advocating for civil and political rights in Cuba and encouraging active and informed citizen participation.
Advocacy on International Platforms
This month, Calzadilla, alongside Carolina Barrero, visited the European Parliament to demand the suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Cuba, along with individual sanctions against military leaders and the Castro family.
On April 18, she participated in a meeting with María Corina Machado and other Cuban activists, and on April 24, she proposed a "surgical operation" for Cuba akin to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, clarifying that she spoke in a personal capacity.
Establishing a Political Party
Calzadilla has now taken a significant step by founding a formal political party. "Today marks the birth of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party, a Center-Right Liberal party committed to defending justice, dignity, and our development as a nation," she declared.
The party's foundation is rooted in the most humanistic principles of Marti's ideology, combined with free-market policies essential for any country's progress.
A fresh campaign against her ironically served as the final catalyst for this venture. "The ignorance of the uninformed prevents them from seeing beyond their noses, and once again, they launch a campaign to dress me in a suit I never envisioned wearing. And once again, I thank them," she noted.
As a member of the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba, Calzadilla has frequently denounced harassment campaigns by the regime. She concluded her announcement with an open invitation: "I invite anyone who identifies with these principles to join us. Every voice will be heard, respected, and valued."
Calzadilla has consistently expressed her desire to return to Cuba once it is free, to "invest all that I have and am."
Understanding Amelia Calzadilla's Political Impact
What motivated Amelia Calzadilla to enter politics?
Amelia Calzadilla was propelled into politics by years of threats, defamation, and harassment from the Cuban regime, which responded repressively to her activism and criticism of the government.
What is the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party?
The Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party, founded by Amelia Calzadilla, is a Center-Right Liberal party committed to justice, dignity, and national development, drawing from humanistic and free-market principles.
How did Amelia Calzadilla gain public attention?
Amelia Calzadilla gained public attention in June 2022 when a video on Facebook criticizing the Cuban leadership went viral, leading to a discredit campaign by State Security.
What role does Amelia Calzadilla play in promoting civil rights?
Amelia Calzadilla is the program coordinator for Citizenship and Freedom, an organization focused on advocating for civil and political rights in Cuba and encouraging active citizen participation.