Carolina Barrero Learned About Amelia Calzadilla's Political Party Through Social Media

Carolina Barrero, head of the organization Ciudadanía y Libertad, disclosed that she and her team were unaware of Amelia Calzadilla's plans to establish a political party. Calzadilla, who serves as the coordinator of the organization, announced her political endeavor via social media, leaving Barrero as surprised as anyone else. This news came despite Barrero and Calzadilla being together in Brussels, meeting with European parliamentarians just days before the announcement.

"We were just as amazed as anyone else because neither the team nor I knew about this, and we found out through social media," Barrero stated during an interview with Tania Costa from Berlin.

Calzadilla had appeared in an interview on CiberCuba a few days before declaring the creation of the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party (PLOC). This centrist liberal political group draws inspiration from José Martí and advocates for free-market principles, promoting the motto "Justice, Dignity, and Prosperity."

While Barrero acknowledged Calzadilla's right to engage in politics, she emphasized that the decision directly impacts her role within the organization. "Given all these factors, she is now fulfilling her duties as the president of that party. Every action has consequences and sends a clear message," Barrero noted.

The director of Ciudadanía y Libertad clarified that the incompatibility between Calzadilla's new role and the organization's mission is fundamental. "Ciudadanía y Libertad is an organization that defends civil and political rights but is not ideologically driven. We are not a political party. We are a human rights organization and cannot be associated with or promote any specific ideology," Barrero explained.

Barrero assured that Calzadilla's departure does not jeopardize the organization's future. "The organization existed before Amelia was part of the team and will continue to exist after she is no longer with us."

When asked if she would consider entering partisan politics herself, Barrero replied confidently, "Absolutely, if I ever feel the need to do so, I will." However, she clarified that the time for such a move has not yet arrived. "Right now, my focus is on promoting democratic culture," she said, highlighting its importance for Cuba at this moment.

"I believe this is what the country needs now, more than presidential candidates. It needs to enhance democratic culture so that citizens can discern and choose the democratic leaders they truly want," Barrero added.

Barrero also warned about the presence of "charlatans" and "Pied Pipers" in the opposition political scene, although she acknowledged their right to participate. She stressed the importance of citizens having enough information to avoid being misled.

Calzadilla and Barrero had visited the European Parliament in April to advocate for the suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Cuba, just weeks before Calzadilla's party was announced.

Barrero concluded the discussion with a farewell message to her former colleague. "All we can do is wish her the best of luck in this political initiative she has embarked on with other members, with other people she met recently, and nothing more. Long live her popularity."