Miguel Díaz-Canel has downplayed the largest exodus in Cuba's history, suggesting that the massive departure of young Cubans is not unique to the island.
During an interview with journalist Roberto Cavada at the Palace of the Revolution, Díaz-Canel remarked that young people have always been the most likely to migrate, attributing it to their "rebellious nature."
"People often talk about young Cubans leaving as if migration is solely Cuba's issue. Migration is a worldwide challenge. It's always the youth who migrate the most—they have more energy, more rebelliousness, and are more likely to move," the leader stated.
He also emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who choose to stay, without mentioning that many remain because they have no other choice.
"We should also discuss the young people in Cuba who don't emigrate and are taking on significant leadership roles, whether in technology, business, or our industries," he added.
His comments starkly contrast with the unprecedented demographic reality. According to official data released by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) in May 2025, Cuba's population decreased to 9.74 million, a 10% drop since 2020.
Demographer Juan Carlos Albizu-Campos estimated that by the end of 2024, only 8,025,624 people lived in Cuba, marking a 24% reduction over four years. He warned that "such a drastic population decline has only been seen in war-torn contexts."
From 2021 to 2024, around 1.79 million Cubans left the country, marking the largest exodus in the island's history. In 2024 alone, Cuba lost over 300,000 residents and recorded its lowest birth rate in decades.
The interview with Cavada is part of Díaz-Canel's intensified media campaign in 2026, with appearances in outlets like Newsweek, NBC News, elDiario.es, and Canal Red.
In April, he became the first Cuban leader to appear on U.S. television since Fidel Castro, during an interview with NBC News.
Throughout these appearances, Díaz-Canel has persistently blamed the U.S. embargo for Cuba's crisis and dismissed any notion of yielding to external pressure.
When asked if the 176 economic measures approved that day by the National Assembly were a response to Washington, he responded decisively: "Trump doesn't govern Cuba, nor does the U.S. government. Cuba is sovereign."
The regime's tendency to downplay the exodus is not new. In October 2023, Díaz-Canel stated that Cubans rarely emigrate due to hatred of the revolution.
Cuba hasn't conducted a population census since 2012, and the one planned for 2022 was repeatedly postponed due to lack of resources, making it difficult to accurately gauge the extent of the demographic decline that the regime itself refuses to acknowledge.
Understanding Cuba's Demographic Challenges
What is the current demographic situation in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing an unprecedented demographic decline, with a population drop to 9.74 million according to 2025 statistics, a 10% decrease since 2020.
How has the Cuban government responded to the migration crisis?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has downplayed the exodus by framing migration as a global issue and emphasizing those who remain in Cuba, especially young people taking on leadership roles.
How many people have left Cuba in recent years?
Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 1.79 million Cubans left the country, marking the largest exodus in the island's history.