In a recent interview with journalist Mônica Bergamo from Brazil's Folha de São Paulo, Miguel Díaz-Canel declared that millions of Cubans are ready to lay down their lives for the revolution, confidently dismissing any fear of sharing the fate of Nicolás Maduro. This statement comes after Maduro was captured on January 3, 2026.
Commitment to the Revolution
When questioned about the possibility of Cuba facing a situation similar to Venezuela's, Díaz-Canel was defiant. Referring to the 32 Cuban soldiers who died during a U.S. operation in Caracas, he said, "If 32 gave their lives in Venezuela, what wouldn't millions of Cubans do to defend the revolution? Why is this hard to believe for some people around the world?"
Personal Resolve in the Face of Danger
Díaz-Canel was unwavering when asked about his personal fear of capture. "If it happens, it happens, but it won't be out of weakness or cowardice. I'll be fighting, fighting," he stated firmly.
International Media Presence
The interview is the latest in a series of international media appearances by Díaz-Canel in 2026, following NBC in April and elDiario.es in June, where he consistently delivers a similar narrative: challenging Washington, denying internal accountability, and promoting a rhetoric of resistance.
Humanitarian Crisis and Blame on Sanctions
During the conversation, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the severe humanitarian crisis faced by Cubans, blaming it entirely on the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. He highlighted that only one ship carrying 100,000 tons of Russian crude oil as humanitarian aid arrived in Cuba over the past seven months, while the nation requires seven such shipments monthly.
Health Sector Challenges
The health sector's challenges are dire, as Díaz-Canel himself admitted: over 64,000 children with outdated vaccination schedules, more than 34,000 pregnant women without access to ultrasounds, doubled infant mortality, a surgical waiting list exceeding 98,000 patients, and over 117,000 cancer patients without primary oncological treatment. Additionally, Cuba can only fulfill 30% of its essential medication needs.
Neglecting Internal Issues
Despite these revelations, Díaz-Canel failed to address the decades of poor energy management, structural reliance on Venezuelan oil, and systemic corruption that predate the current sanctions. He also did not acknowledge the collapse of the electrical system, marked by seven nationwide blackouts in 2026 and a record generation deficit.
Dismissal of Internal Bureaucratic Barriers
When reminded that Cubans themselves speak of an "internal blockade" referring to government inefficiency and bureaucracy, Díaz-Canel outright dismissed the notion. This stance contradicts his own admission to the Communist Party Central Committee in June, acknowledging "barriers that do not come from outside or the blockade."
Protests and Economic Measures
Regarding protests, Díaz-Canel justified the repression by claiming that the United States "pays people to incite social demands" in Cuba, leading to "vandalism," thereby portraying dissent as foreign subversion rather than legitimate popular discontent.
He also denied that the 176 economic measures approved in June—which expand the private sector, allow private banking, and relax foreign investment—constitute capitalist reforms, labeling them as "necessary concessions during the transition period."
Commitment to Resistance
When asked how long Cuba can endure without an agreement with the United States, he responded unequivocally, "We have no alternative but to resist. We must resist."
Díaz-Canel, who has two years left in government and three in party leadership, concluded the interview by summarizing the regime's stance amid the ongoing collapse facing the Cuban people: "Here we are standing, fighting without surrendering. Without surrendering, without making concessions to the United States."
Understanding Cuba's Current Challenges
What did Díaz-Canel say about Venezuela's situation?
Díaz-Canel expressed confidence that millions of Cubans would defend the revolution, citing the sacrifice of 32 Cuban soldiers in Venezuela as evidence of their commitment.
How did Díaz-Canel address the humanitarian crisis in Cuba?
He attributed the crisis entirely to U.S. sanctions, highlighting severe shortages in oil shipments and critical deficiencies in the health sector.
Did Díaz-Canel acknowledge any internal issues within Cuba?
He dismissed claims of an internal blockade and did not address systemic issues such as poor energy management or corruption, despite previous admissions of internal barriers.
What is Díaz-Canel's stance on economic reforms in Cuba?
He denied that recent measures expanding the private sector and foreign investment are capitalist reforms, calling them necessary concessions.