Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer García expressed in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Independiente that the "end of the Castro-communist regime" in Cuba is imminent. He believes that the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will play a pivotal role in this transformation.
Ferrer, who leads the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and has been living in exile in Miami since leaving the island in October 2025, spoke from Warsaw. He stated that the Cuban government "will not survive this year" and anticipates that a resolution will occur before the U.S. midterm elections.
"We are undoubtedly on the verge of the end of the Castro-communist regime," Ferrer asserted in comments published by El Independiente on Sunday.
Throughout the interview, Ferrer explained that internal opposition in Cuba has been nearly dismantled following the July 11, 2021 protests due to severe state repression, prison sentences, and the forced exile of many activists.
The dissident also praised Rubio's influence on Washington's policy towards Cuba, highlighting that the Secretary of State maintains a "commitment to freedom in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua."
In a statement resonating with the majority of Cubans, as per a recent public opinion poll by independent media, Ferrer advocated for decisive U.S. action against the Cuban regime. He compared the potential situation in Cuba to the recent developments in Venezuela following the fall of Nicolás Maduro.
Moreover, Ferrer harshly criticized the European Union's stance towards Havana, particularly blaming the Spanish government for sustaining the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba.
"If Europe continues to turn its back on us, Cuba will end up building altars to Donald Trump. And Spain will be held accountable," Ferrer told the Spanish newspaper.
The opposition leader argued that Brussels should toughen its position against the Cuban regime and implement sanctions similar to those imposed on Nicaragua or Venezuela.
Ferrer also recounted abuses he suffered during his last imprisonment in Cuba. He revealed to the aforementioned media that he endured beatings, threats, and forced feeding while detained after being arrested again in 2025.
The activist declared that despite currently living in Miami, he intends to return to Cuba once there is a political shift on the island.
Key Insights on the Cuban Regime's Future and International Relations
What role does Marco Rubio play in U.S. policy towards Cuba?
Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State, is seen as a key figure in shaping Washington's approach to Cuba, maintaining a commitment to promoting freedom in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
How has the opposition in Cuba been affected post-July 2021 protests?
The opposition has been severely weakened due to intense government repression, resulting in numerous activists facing imprisonment or forced to flee the country.
What actions does Ferrer suggest Europe take against Cuba?
Ferrer suggests that Europe should adopt a stricter stance and impose sanctions on Cuba akin to those applied to Nicaragua and Venezuela.