U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, pinpointed on Wednesday from Manila, Philippines—where he is attending the ASEAN ministerial summit—the two critical factors contributing to Cuba's collapse: an inherently flawed economic system and the cessation of free Venezuelan oil supplies.
His remarks, shared by the State Department on social media, came during a press conference outside the regional diplomatic agenda when journalists inquired about potential changes on the island.
"Cuba's fundamental issue right now consists of two main problems. The first is their economic system, which simply doesn't work because it's unlike any other system in the world. It's just backward and ineffective, forcing people to leave the country. The second issue is that they are no longer receiving free oil from Venezuela," Rubio stated.
Additionally, the secretary disclosed a revealing detail about the regime's logic: approximately 60% of the oil Cuba received for free from Venezuela was not utilized for the country's power grid but was instead sold on international markets for foreign currency.
"The biggest issue with Cuba is that its regime is a disaster, its economic model is dysfunctional, and the leaders have no idea what they are doing. Their sole interest is clinging to power," he concluded.
During his speech, Rubio labeled Cuba a "failed state" twice and noted that the regime deliberately fears economic prosperity: "They are afraid that economic freedoms will make them lose control over the people."
When asked about timelines for regime change, Rubio dismissed any scheduling: "Global affairs aren't like a miniseries where everything is resolved in three episodes."
He added that since 2021, Cuba has lost between 10% and 15% of its population due to the regime's mismanagement.
Alongside his analysis, the secretary reiterated the commencement of sending over $100 million in humanitarian aid to the island, distributed exclusively by non-governmental entities—Catholic Relief Services, Cáritas Cuba, and the Catholic Church—without Cuban government intervention.
"The goal is to see a Cuba where the Cuban people can enjoy prosperity, security, and a better life," Rubio concluded, adding, "Those currently in charge simply don't want that. It's a shame."
These statements from Manila come just days after the State Department released the report "Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism," a roughly 100-page document accusing the regime of sponsoring radical leftism in the U.S. for more than six decades and documenting 18 signal intelligence facilities on the island, including two Russian ones.
Cuba's Economic and Political Challenges
What are the main factors contributing to Cuba's current economic issues?
The main factors are Cuba's structurally flawed economic system and the end of free oil supplies from Venezuela.
How did Cuba utilize the oil received from Venezuela?
Approximately 60% of the oil was sold on international markets for foreign currency rather than being used for the country's power grid.
What is the U.S. doing to assist the Cuban people?
The U.S. is sending more than $100 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, distributed through non-governmental organizations without the involvement of the Cuban government.