Father Alberto Reyes Pías, the parish priest of Esmeralda in Camagüey, has accused the Spanish government of betraying the Cuban people. In a conversation with Tania Costa, he expressed his disappointment over Spain's failure to criticize the Cuban dictatorship while continuing to engage in business with it, despite the hardships faced by Cubans.
"It pains me deeply. It feels like a betrayal," stated the priest, known for his outspoken criticism of the Cuban regime. Reyes Pías made a clear distinction between the government and the Spanish people, emphasizing, "The lack of reciprocity hurts. For us, it is a betrayal. Not from the Spanish people, but at the governmental level."
The Historical Bond Between Cubans and Spaniards
Reyes Pías highlighted the historical and emotional ties between Cubans and Spaniards. He noted that many in Cuba still refer to Spain as the "motherland" and described the connection between the two peoples as "brutal and immediate," particularly when Spanish missionary priests visit the island.
Sharing his personal experience, he recounted studying Psychology in Madrid, where he encountered regional separatism, which he found distressing. This experience reinforced his belief in Spain as a unified nation. He dismissed the few anti-colonial acts in Cuba as "mere theatrical productions."
Criticism of the Spanish Left
The priest directed his harshest criticism at the Spanish left, accusing them of knowingly supporting the Cuban regime. "The Spanish left cannot claim ignorance about Cuba's situation. They are fully aware of the Cuban people's suffering. It's outrageous that they continue to support the dictatorship, refusing to denounce it and remaining complicit. This is betrayal, plain and simple."
These remarks come amidst a period of active diplomacy between Madrid and Havana. On the same day, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez met with Spanish Minister José Manuel Albares in New York. Albares pledged to protect Spanish businesses in Cuba and opposed the extraterritorial reach of U.S. sanctions, according to EFE.
Spanish Parliament's Stance
In a recent parliamentary session on September 17, the Spanish Congress narrowly rejected a proposal by Sumar, aiming for the government to lead the EU in supporting Cuba against U.S. measures. During the debate, Popular Party MP Belén Hoyo Juliá delivered a powerful critique: "Freedom for you; repression for Cubans," condemning Sumar's proposal for omitting terms like "dictatorship," "political prisoners," and "repression."
Echoing the sentiment of Father Reyes Pías, the Madrid Forum accused Spain and the EU in August of "propping up the Cuban regime" through their policies of cooperation and dialogue. Despite being summoned by Cuban State Security in January 2026 and warned for his public criticisms—and later barred from traveling to Miami—Reyes Pías has not softened his stance. "Politics is driven by interests, and the Cuban people's interest is a priority for no one except those of us suffering in Cuba."
Understanding the Spanish-Cuban Political Dynamics
Why does Father Alberto Reyes consider the Spanish government's actions a betrayal?
Father Alberto Reyes sees the Spanish government's failure to criticize the Cuban regime while continuing to do business with it as a betrayal of the Cuban people.
How does Father Reyes differentiate between the Spanish government and its people?
He distinguishes the Spanish government's actions from the sentiments of the Spanish people, who he believes have a strong and immediate connection with Cubans.
What was the outcome of the recent Spanish parliamentary debate regarding Cuba?
The Spanish Congress narrowly rejected a proposal that urged the government to take a pro-Cuba stance against U.S. sanctions, highlighting divisions over how to address Cuba's issues.