Activist and Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Commissioner, Rosa María Payá, held a meeting on Tuesday in Madrid with Chilean President José Antonio Kast and the President of the Chilean Senate, Paulina Núñez. During this meeting, she announced the unveiling of a plan aimed at supporting Cuba's democratic transition from the Spanish capital.
"My gratitude goes to José Antonio Kast and Paulina Núñez for their solidarity with the Cuban people during our meeting in Madrid. Today, I will unveil a plan to support Cuba's democratic transition. Cuba is closer to freedom than many might imagine," Payá shared through her social media channels.
The plan is set to be introduced at the event titled "Cuba on the Threshold" at 5:30 PM in Madrid, just a day before the opening of the 30th Ibero-American Summit, which will gather representatives from the 22 countries comprising the Ibero-American Community on November 4th and 5th.
This initiative stems from the Liberation Agreement, signed in Miami on March 2, 2026, by Steps of Change and the Cuban Resistance Assembly (ARC), with backing from over 30 opposing and civic Cuban organizations.
The roadmap outlines four phases: Liberation, Stabilization, Reconstruction, and Democratization.
The initial phase demands the dismantling of the current political system and the release of over 1,000 political prisoners. The final stage envisions holding free, multiparty elections under international oversight. The proposed transitional framework includes a 51-member Parliament, an Executive branch with a president and two vice presidents, and nine technical commissions.
Kast arrived in Madrid on Monday, accompanied by First Lady María Pía Adriasola, Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna, and Núñez, marking his first European tour as president.
The Chilean president has a documented history of standing in solidarity with the Cuban opposition. During a 2021 presidential debate, he displayed a Cuban flag in a show of support and suggested closing the Chilean embassy in Havana as a pressure tactic against the regime.
Understanding Cuba's Democratic Transition Plan
What is the purpose of Rosa María Payá's plan for Cuba?
The plan aims to support Cuba's transition to democracy by outlining steps for Liberation, Stabilization, Reconstruction, and Democratization.
Who are the key figures involved in the announcement of this plan?
Rosa María Payá announced the plan in Madrid with the presence of Chilean President José Antonio Kast and Senate President Paulina Núñez.
What does the Liberation phase of the plan entail?
The Liberation phase calls for the dismantling of the current political system and the release of over 1,000 political prisoners.