Amelia Calzadilla shared a Facebook video this Thursday, lasting just over two minutes, addressing the pressing question she has faced since announcing the establishment of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party (PLOC): Why start a political party now, from exile?
Her response is straightforward: "Because I firmly believe in Cuba's future. I am certain that the dictatorship will fall."
Calzadilla clarified that her drive is not about securing a government position but rather being ready for the moment when Cuba can rebuild itself as a free nation.
"I don't want the opportunity to help to arrive and find myself unprepared because I didn't dedicate the necessary time now," she asserted.
Calzadilla, who has been living in exile in Madrid since November 2023, emphasized that the founding of the party is not tied to any immediate political ambitions.
"Creating a party doesn't guarantee governance. Just because I'm building a political party today doesn't mean I'll govern, because I believe in the individual's right to freely choose," she remarked.
The People's Will as a Catalyst for Change
Calzadilla stated that the project's future hinges on popular support: "This project will only come to fruition if the people decide so, if one day we have an electoral law that allows for multiparty systems."
The PLOC has been introduced as a center-right liberal party, drawing inspiration from José Martí's humanist ideals and free market policies, with three core principles: justice, dignity, and prosperity.
Resistance and Support Amidst Repression
In her Thursday video, Calzadilla also championed the importance of developing political proposals even amidst the current repressive climate.
"During this time, as we face a cruel dictatorship and a period of immense desolation, we must not only focus on what we oppose but also begin to construct, even theoretically, what we aspire to achieve," she explained.
The party's announcement sparked massive support among exiled Cubans and those on the island, with endorsements from figures like activist Saily González Velázquez, who expressed, "Finally, a party that represents me."
Conversely, it drew ridicule from the pro-government show Con Filo, which released a satirical video announcing "their own party." Calzadilla proudly responded to this mockery, saying it "fills me with pride" as it "reveals how much pain the project causes them."
Comedian Ulises Toirac also reacted to the PLOC's launch, highlighting the irony that founding a party in Cuba is considered a "seismic" event, given that Article 5 of the 2019 Constitution establishes the Communist Party as the sole governing force of the state.
In a prior interview where she disclosed her long-term political aspirations, Calzadilla concluded the video with a statement of belief: "The reason is that I have unwavering faith that such a Cuba will come, and I want to be ready to contribute."
FAQs About the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party
Why did Amelia Calzadilla decide to form a political party from exile?
Calzadilla believes strongly in the future of Cuba and is certain that the current dictatorship will eventually collapse. Her aim is to be prepared to help rebuild the nation when that time comes.
What are the core principles of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party?
The party is based on three main principles: justice, dignity, and prosperity, inspired by José Martí's humanist ideals and free market policies.
How has the announcement of PLOC been received?
The announcement has garnered significant support among Cubans both in exile and on the island, while also attracting criticism and mockery from pro-government entities.