Amelia Calzadilla Gains Backing from Cuban Exiles and Islanders After Establishing New Political Party

On Sunday, Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla unveiled the formation of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party, sparking a wave of responses across social media. Numerous Cubans from both the island and the diaspora voiced their support, applied for membership, and even suggested her as a potential presidential candidate for Cuba.

The announcement, which triggered a flood of comments on her Facebook page, turned the post into a rallying point for Cubans who view this initiative as a genuine opportunity for political organization ahead of a possible democratic transition.

The party is described as center-right liberal, drawing inspiration from the humanist ideals of José Martí and advocating free-market policies. Its core principles are justice, dignity, and prosperity.

With the slogan, "A new path for Cuba. With principles. With freedom. With you," Calzadilla positions herself as a candidate for freedom and the future of Cuba.

Support from Cuban Activists

Prominent Cuban activists publicly showed their support. Activist Saily González Velázquez expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Finally a party that represents me. With Amelia Calzadilla, of course."

Journalist and activist Magdiel Jorge Castro praised the initiative, declaring, "It's great news that we take this step today... enough of the biases stemming from years of political ignorance. Welcome to the parties, movements, and articulation. Congratulations Amelia Calzadilla."

Cuban activist Yamilka Lafita, known online as Lara Crofs, also voiced her backing: "Of course my vote would be for Amelia Calzadilla, because she is not just someone I know well, she is a woman I respect, who represents me, whom I admire for her simplicity and eloquence, and above all, she wants a free Cuba as much as I do."

Resilience in the Face of Opposition

Among anonymous comments on Calzadilla’s post were supportive messages like "They tried to crush you, but they only made you stronger," "Cuban multipartyism begins," and "Finally, for the first time, I'll vote. I'm behind you."

Currently residing in Madrid, Calzadilla revealed that the impetus for founding the party came ironically from a fresh smear campaign against her: "The ignorance of the foolish doesn’t allow them to see beyond their noses, and once again, like in 2022, they unleash a campaign to dress me in a suit I never imagined wearing. And once again, I thank them."

A New Chapter in Activism

In her party's introduction, Calzadilla acknowledged that the regime forced her into opposition: "In 2022, I wasn't an opposition figure, or even an activist... I was a Cuban mother dissatisfied with seeing those I loved suffer due to an incapable and corrupt system."

After spending 32 years in Cuba, Calzadilla left for exile in November 2023 with her husband and three children, following years of harassment from the State Security. In June 2023, her husband was detained in Havana as part of the regime's pressure tactics against her.

Her activism remains relentless from Madrid. In April, she visited the European Parliament with Carolina Barrero, prompting the EU to initiate a formal review of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba.

During the same period, she attended a meeting with María Corina Machado alongside other Cuban activists, and by the end of April, she proposed a "surgical operation" for Cuba akin to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.

Upon announcing the party, Calzadilla extended an open invitation: "I invite anyone who can identify with these principles to join; every voice will be heard, respected, and valued."