The prominent Cuban opposition leader, José Daniel Ferrer, has expressed his belief that the United States will eventually take military action against the Cuban regime. He casts doubt on the willingness of the regime's leadership to relinquish power voluntarily. Ferrer's comments were made during an interview with activist and content creator Magdiel Jorge Castro, which was made public on Saturday.
"It's going to happen, I repeat, it will happen because I doubt, I doubt—perhaps I'm wrong, hopefully, I am—but I doubt that those in Reilen, the regime's high command, will accept that their time is up, and that they need to step aside for a transition to democracy," Ferrer, who founded the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), declared.
Ferrer warned of inevitable consequences should the regime cling to power: "If they hold onto power, they will be removed like Maduro or end up like Maduro, but they will be ousted."
The opposition leader assured that former President Donald Trump enjoys the "full" support of the Cuban opposition. He further quantified the popular support, stating, "I guarantee you, without fear of being wrong, that at least 80%, perhaps more, want them out of power one way or another, and as soon as possible, because the dire situation in Cuba is something most Cubans can no longer endure."
Ferrer emphasized the importance of unity among those striving for the island's democratization: "The key is that those of us fighting for Cuba's democratization stand more united and better coordinated to steer the process toward our goal. Total democratization of Cuba, a complete transition to democracy, and the immediate start of a serious national reconstruction process."
Ferrer’s statements come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. Last Thursday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unexpected visit to Havana, confirmed by both Cuban authorities and the agency, which released rare photos from the meeting.
During the visit, Ratcliffe met with senior officials from Cuba's Ministry of the Interior, including Raúl Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of Raúl Castro, and conveyed a message from Trump that any dialogue is contingent upon Cuba making "fundamental changes."
Days earlier, Trump had posted on Truth Social, "Cuba asks for help, and we will talk!" President Díaz-Canel responded, indicating Cuba's constant readiness for dialogue. Furthermore, Trump had proclaimed on April 17 in Phoenix, Arizona, that "a new dawn for Cuba is coming soon."
The backdrop of these tensions is an energy crisis in Cuba. Energy Minister Vicente de La O Levy admitted on Thursday that the island lacks reserves of fuel oil and diesel for power generation, leading to blackouts lasting between twenty and twenty-five hours daily in various regions, affecting over 55% of the territory.
In previous weeks, Ferrer stated that the United States possesses "all the power" necessary to end the regime, citing an independent survey with 42,263 responses, in which 60.9% supported direct military intervention and 64.9% endorsed overthrowing the regime "by any means necessary, including armed intervention."
Key Questions on U.S. Action and Cuba's Future
What is José Daniel Ferrer's prediction about the U.S. intervention in Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer predicts that the United States will take military action against the Cuban regime, as he doubts the regime's leadership will willingly step down.
What has been the stance of the Cuban opposition towards Donald Trump?
The Cuban opposition, according to Ferrer, fully supports Donald Trump, with a significant portion of the Cuban population desiring a regime change as soon as possible.
What are the current energy challenges faced by Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis, with a lack of fuel oil and diesel reserves, leading to extensive blackouts affecting more than half of the country.