Vicente de la O Levy, the Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, has dismissed the idea of free elections, a multi-party system, and ending the Communist Party's dominance, labeling these as pressures from the United States aimed at "overpowering" Cuba. He firmly stated that such changes "will never happen."
During a Reuters interview, De la O Levy addressed claims about alleged discussions where Washington supposedly tied the easing of sanctions to the privatization of the Unión Cuba-Petróleo (CUPET). While he did not confirm such exchanges, he expanded his answer to defend Cuba's political structure.
He listed various demands he attributes to the U.S., such as privatizing Cuba’s mining sector, tourism industry, and entire economy. "The U.S. aims to subjugate the Cuban people and its revolution, and that will never happen," he asserted.
The Political Monopoly Stands Firm
De la O Levy emphasized the continuation of Cuba's political model as a collective choice: "The Cuban people have decided" not to be subdued, he claimed, without detailing the means through which this collective decision was reached.
His defense aligns with Cuba’s constitutional order. Article 5 defines the Communist Party as the "sole" and "superior leading political force" in society and state, while Article 4 declares the socialist system irrevocable.
This stance is consistent with other officials' positions: engaging in talks with Washington without challenging the power structure is a common refrain. On October 4, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío told Milenio that "Cuba is not willing to discuss its internal political matters with the U.S. or any government."
President Miguel Díaz-Canel had set the same boundary in April, stating in an interview that "our internal issues are not up for negotiation with the United States." Similarly, Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo insisted that political matters, including leadership roles, are non-negotiable.
U.S. Demands for Change
The U.S. calls for changes extend beyond economic privatization. On May 20, Marco Rubio advocated for a Cuba where citizens can elect and replace their leaders, establish independent media, and criticize the system without fear of imprisonment or exile.
In September, he reiterated that economic freedom is impossible without political freedom, highlighting the need for both simultaneously as part of a transition period.
Former President Donald Trump also emphasized political freedoms, accusing the Cuban regime of denying fair elections and suppressing dissent, vowing that the U.S. would not rest until Cubans regained their freedom.
In June, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz outlined other demands: "Open the economy, free political prisoners, stop treating citizens as threats," calling for immediate economic and political reforms to end repression.
From Congress, Mario Díaz-Balart summarized the conditions under the Helms-Burton Act for lifting the embargo: freeing all political prisoners, legalizing parties, unions, and independent press, and holding free, multi-party elections. "Which of these conditions does the Cuban people not deserve?" he questioned.
Improving Efficiency Within the Existing Model
De la O Levy suggested that resolving the crisis lies in enhancing CUPET’s efficiency, along with that of the mining sector and electricity generation, and increasing access to funding and international trade.
"If we privatize CUPET, will they lift the blockade?" he asked, questioning whether economic concessions alone would alter U.S. policy.
He acknowledged the crisis's impact: "We have long blackouts, no fuel for cooking, no fuel for transportation." Despite these shortages, he maintained that the country should progress using its resources and energy solutions: "It's a long, tough path without resources"... and without political will to listen to the Cuban people.
Key Questions on Cuba's Political Stance
What are the main demands from the U.S. regarding Cuba's political system?
The U.S. demands include holding free, multi-party elections, legalizing political parties and independent press, and freeing political prisoners.
How does De la O Levy view the pressures from the U.S.?
De la O Levy sees U.S. pressures as attempts to subdue Cuba and its revolutionary ideals, which he asserts will never succeed.
What solutions does De la O Levy propose for Cuba's economic crisis?
He proposes improving efficiency in key sectors like CUPET, mining, and electricity generation, alongside enhancing international trade and financing.