Cuban writer and editor Andrés Jorge recently shared his thoughts in an interview with Tania Costa, emphasizing that the core issue in Cuba isn't a particular leader but rather "fidelism"—a pervasive system of thought and control that has entrenched itself in the island and much of Latin America. This ideology persists regardless of who is in charge.
Speaking to CiberCuba, Jorge—born in Pinar del Río in 1960 and having lived in Mexico for many years—highlighted a damaging aspect of this system: the belief that any resolution for Cuba must involve Washington. "We must not let this other mark of absolute fidelism convince us that everything depends on the United States, and that the solution must involve the U.S.," he stated.
The author of "Pan de mi cuerpo" (1997) argues that Cuba has been a major promoter of communism in Latin America. According to him, Cuban intelligence institutions—specifically mentioning "Barbarroja" and similar entities—were engaged for decades in arms trafficking and establishing pressure groups throughout the region. "All those institutions spent half their existence trafficking arms and creating groups. They are still doing it, now in Mexico," Jorge claimed.
A recent instance of this influence was the attack on Cuban filmmaker Ernesto Fundora in May 2026, during the premiere of a documentary about Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara at the Centro Universitario Cultural in Coyoacán, Mexico City. A group of about 15 individuals disrupted the event with flags, sticks, and loudspeakers. Fundora sustained injuries to his elbow and wrist, and two other Cubans were also hurt.
Following the incident, Cuban actor Luis Alberto García condemned the attacks, likening them to the regime's repudiation rallies. Jorge sees no ambiguity in the moral authorship of such actions: "Where do these 'thugs' from the UNAM and all these people come from? It's Cuba."
Jorge encapsulates his assessment with the metaphor of a cancer "that has spread its tentacles worldwide."
Embracing the Power of the Cuban Diaspora
In response to this situation, Jorge advocates for an alternative centered on leveraging the potential of the Cuban diaspora, instead of waiting for solutions from external forces. His argument is clear: if every Cuban abroad were to vote in free elections and spend a week on the island with their families, "the economic impact of this diaspora going to vote and celebrate in Cuba would be immense."
This idea resonates with proposals already put forth by organized exile groups. In May 2026, Cuban-American entrepreneurs pledged $35 billion for the first year following a democratic transition, contingent on legal security and announced elections. The "Liberation Agreement" signed by exile organizations in March 2026 outlines a three-phase roadmap—liberation, stabilization, and democratization—to achieve internationally supervised elections.
Jorge stresses that the Cuban diaspora, which "amasses so much wealth, power, and history in every sense," should see a viable economic Cuba as a genuine opportunity for their businesses and services, rather than remaining stuck in what he terms the logic of fidelism: expecting someone else to resolve what only Cubans themselves can change.
The Future of Cuba and the Role of its Diaspora
What does Andrés Jorge mean by "fidelism"?
Andrés Jorge describes "fidelism" as a system of thought and control pervasive in Cuba and Latin America, surviving independently of individual leaders.
How does Jorge propose to address the issues in Cuba?
Jorge suggests harnessing the power of the Cuban diaspora by encouraging them to participate in free elections and engage economically with Cuba, rather than relying on external solutions.
What recent incident exemplifies Cuba's influence in other countries?
The attack on filmmaker Ernesto Fundora during a documentary premiere in Mexico City is cited as a recent example of Cuba's continued influence abroad.