Former Member of the European Parliament, Soraya Rodríguez, issued a direct appeal to the Cuban opposition in exile on Wednesday. She urged them to set aside ideological differences and focus on unity as a crucial step towards achieving a democratic transition in Cuba.
Rodríguez, who previously served as a member of the Citizens party and was part of the liberal Renew Europe group, made these remarks in the concluding segment of an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba. During the conversation, she also discussed Spain's Grandchildren Law and Europe's role in addressing the Cuban crisis.
Oppression Over Ideology
Rodríguez's primary argument was clear and impactful: "In a dictatorship, there are no ideologies; there is oppression of all." She used this premise to challenge the internal divisions among the exiles, emphasizing that the Castro regime's repression was never about targeting a specific political ideology.
"In Cuba, what marked you, what led to your expulsion, and what made you a target was thinking differently, not whether your thoughts leaned left or right," Rodríguez asserted.
Solidarity in Transition
Building on this foundation, Rodríguez contended that any transitional process demands solidarity among those with differing viewpoints. "In a transition process, there must be a broad-minded approach," she insisted. "Solidarity among those who think differently is essential."
For the former MEP, the logical sequence is straightforward: democracy must come first, followed by ideological debates. "To defend various ideological stances, democracy in Cuba is a prerequisite," she emphasized.
The Role of Dialogue and External Support
Rodríguez was clear about who should lead this process. "Only a political dialogue among Cubans for Cubans can truly result in a democracy for Cubans," she stated, dismissing the notion of external saviors. "There won't be external saviors. There can be friends who accompany the process."
She identified Europe as the best-positioned ally to support this transition. "I believe those friends are currently in Europe, in terms of accompanying a democratic transition," she noted, while also acknowledging the continent's shortcomings: "Unfortunately, Tania, I don't think we're supporting as we should."
Steps Towards Unity
Rodríguez's call comes at a time when the Cuban opposition is making tangible moves toward unity. The Liberation Agreement, signed in Miami in March 2026, brings together over 30 exile organizations and opponents within the island. This agreement outlines three stages: liberation, stabilization, and democratization with internationally monitored elections.
In June, the opposition coalition partnered with Cuban-American lawyers to develop the necessary legal framework for the anticipated transition, solidifying the institutionalization of the unified process.
Nevertheless, internal divisions remain a recognized hurdle among exile leaders, lending particular significance to Rodríguez's message: "Now is the time for agreement, solidarity, and the understanding that only a political dialogue among Cubans for Cubans can truly result in a democracy for Cubans."
FAQs on Cuba's Political Transition
Why does Soraya Rodríguez emphasize unity over ideology?
Rodríguez stresses unity as essential for a democratic transition in Cuba, arguing that the regime's repression targets those who think differently, rather than any specific ideology.
What role does Europe play in Cuba's transition process?
Rodríguez views Europe as a key ally in supporting Cuba's democratic transition, although she criticizes the continent for not doing enough to support the process effectively.
What steps has the Cuban opposition taken towards unity?
The Cuban opposition has signed the Liberation Agreement and is working to establish the necessary legal framework for a transition, collaborating with Cuban-American lawyers to reinforce this unified effort.