VOX leader Santiago Abascal hosted Cuban opposition figure José Daniel Ferrer in Madrid on Thursday, offering his party's unwavering support to work towards dismantling the Cuban regime. Abascal personally shared this commitment on Facebook.
This meeting is part of Ferrer's European tour, which includes engagements with prominent political leaders in Spain, such as the head of the Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, and appearances before the European Parliament to highlight the dire circumstances in Cuba.
During their discussion, Ferrer introduced Abascal to the Liberation Agreement, a document endorsed by the Cuban Resistance Assembly (ARC) and Steps of Change. The agreement outlines a strategic plan for Cuba's democratic transition, as reported by La Gaceta.
Abascal praised Ferrer as a "Cuban political prisoner, a signatory of the Madrid Charter, and a key figure in Cuban dissent." He affirmed his commitment to "continuously work for the end of the Castro family's criminal regime and its enforcers wherever necessary."
The VOX leader concluded with a bold statement: "Cuba will regain its freedom."
Ferrer described the meeting as "very positive" and expressed gratitude to Abascal, calling him "a great friend of Cuba's freedom cause."
First introduced in Miami on March 2, 2026, the Liberation Agreement proposes four phases—Liberation, Stabilization, Reconstruction, and Democratization. It calls for the dismantling of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), demilitarization of public life, and the organization of free elections.
The document asserts that its signatories are "united in achieving the end of the dictatorship in Cuba and the communist system, restoring civilian leadership in all state matters."
It also demands "the immediate release of all political prisoners" and the restoration of freedoms in expression, press, association, and religion.
Ferrer, in collaboration with Prisoners Defenders, began his European tour on May 2 in Madrid, planning to visit over 10 countries in a month.
On May 5, he addressed the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament in Brussels, describing the Cuban crisis as "the worst crisis in the island's modern history" and called for Magnitsky sanctions against regime officials.
Speaking from Warsaw on May 11, Ferrer declared that the Cuban regime "will not survive this year" and disclosed that elements within the U.S. administration close to Secretary of State Marco Rubio have privately considered military intervention in Cuba.
Ferrer also sharply criticized the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Cuba, labeling it a "grave mistake" that merely "breathes life into the regime."
In alignment, VOX MEPs Hermann Tertsch and Jorge Martín Frías called for the immediate suspension of the agreement in the Strasbourg Plenary, accusing European institutions of being "direct accomplices" of the regime.
Ferrer left Cuba for exile in Miami on October 13, 2025, following his imprisonment in July 2021 after the 11J protests, where he endured torture and extreme isolation at the Mar Verde prison.
In an interview during his stay in Spain, Ferrer issued a stark warning: "Spain is going to lose Cuba for the second time."
Key Insights into José Daniel Ferrer's European Tour
What is the Liberation Agreement?
The Liberation Agreement is a strategic plan proposed for Cuba's democratic transition, outlining four phases: Liberation, Stabilization, Reconstruction, and Democratization. It aims to dismantle the Communist Party of Cuba and restore civilian leadership.
What actions have been proposed against the Cuban regime?
Ferrer has called for Magnitsky sanctions against regime officials and criticized the European Union's cooperation agreement with Cuba, urging its suspension. Discussions of potential U.S. intervention have also been mentioned.
Who is Santiago Abascal in relation to the Cuban opposition?
Santiago Abascal is the leader of Spain's VOX party, known for supporting Cuban dissidents like José Daniel Ferrer. He has pledged to work towards ending the Cuban regime, offering political backing and advocacy.