In Havana, three organizations with ties to the Cuban government have taken a clear stance in Brazil's presidential election runoff. Casa de las Américas, the Cuban chapter of the Network in Defense of Humanity, and the International Committee for Peace, Justice and Dignity for the Peoples issued a joint statement backing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. They called on social movements, artists, and intellectuals to rally in his favor by October 25.
Released on October 5 and fully reported by La Jornada San Luis, the statement is particularly notable for its central claim: while criticizing the United States and Israel for meddling in Brazil's electoral process, a Cuban state-affiliated institution is overtly participating in another nation's political contest.
Allegations Against the U.S., Israel, and Evangelical Leaders
The signatories allege substantial financial backing from both American and Israeli interests aimed at undermining Lula. They also accuse media outlets and "evangelical preachers" of supporting Brazilian right-wing factions, labeling opposition candidate Flávio Bolsonaro as fascist.
The statement, however, does not identify the alleged financiers, nor does it provide figures or documentation to substantiate the claims. Thus, these remain assertions from the signatories rather than verified facts. Brazilian outlet Brasil 247, which covered the announcement on October 9, also noted the lack of specific evidence.
Cuban State Institution Engages in Brazil's Electoral Debate
Casa de las Américas is not a civic organization independent of Havana's political power. According to regulations published in Cuba's Official Gazette, it is linked to the Ministry of Culture, with its president appointed by the head of government upon the minister's recommendation.
While a state entity expressing international political preferences isn't illegal electoral interference per se, it does highlight a political contradiction. From a body that consistently decries foreign meddling, there is a call for international mobilization in support of a Brazilian presidential candidate, alongside uncorroborated accusations of external funding.
The appeal to sovereignty thus appears influenced by ideological alignment: the signatories deem international political pressure in favor of Lula as legitimate, while attributing their opponents' progress to foreign conspiracy. This perspective, lacking proof of the alleged funding, also downplays the agency of millions of Brazilians who voted for an alternative to the current president.
What's at Stake for Havana in Brazil's Elections
The Cuban regime's interest in Lula's continuity is rooted in political, diplomatic, and economic history. Under various Workers' Party administrations, Brazil has been a key interlocutor for Havana. Notably, Brazil financed the Mariel port project, tied to the Cuban military conglomerate GAESA, through its development bank BNDES.
This relationship has also resulted in unpaid debts. In May 2026, CiberCuba reported, based on Brazilian government data and CNN Brazil, that Cuba owed around $676 million to Brazil, with no official plan for repayment. Brazilian law restricts new credits of this kind to delinquent nations.
Another example is the Mais Médicos program, which since 2013 incorporated Cuban health professionals into Brazil under cooperation agreements. In 2018, Havana withdrew about 8,300 doctors following a dispute with then-President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, as reported by the Pan American Health Organization. This episode demonstrated how bilateral relations could shift with political changes in Brasília, though it alone doesn't predict the actions of a potential Flávio Bolsonaro administration.
Brazil has also offered diplomatic support to Havana in international forums. A government change could alter these stances, but the extent would depend on future Brazilian authorities' decisions, not the warnings from the signatory organizations.
Ultimately, the manifesto from Cuba highlights the political interest the regime has in Brazil's election outcome. While accusing foreign powers of attempting to influence the vote, one of its own state institutions publicly joins the campaign to back Lula. The decision, however, rests with Brazilian voters on October 25.
Cuban Involvement in Brazil's Elections: Key Questions
Why are Cuban organizations interested in Brazil's election?
The Cuban regime has historical political, diplomatic, and economic ties with Brazil, particularly during the Workers' Party administrations. Projects like the Mariel port financing and the Mais Médicos program exemplify this connection.
What are the allegations made by Cuban organizations regarding the Brazilian election?
They allege that the U.S. and Israeli lobbies are financially supporting Lula's opposition, alongside media and evangelical preachers, to undermine his campaign. However, these claims lack specific evidence or documentation.
How does Cuba's involvement align with its stance on foreign interference?
Cuba's involvement reveals a contradiction, as it criticizes foreign meddling while publicly supporting a Brazilian candidate. This suggests ideological bias in its interpretation of international political pressure.