Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any attempt to improve Cuba’s economy without a structural transformation of its government would be practically unfeasible. According to Rubio, many reports on the situation in Cuba are false or inaccurate, and he emphasized that reliable information only comes from sources directly involved in U.S. policy regarding the island, including President Donald Trump and himself.
Rubio questioned the idea of an “economic deal” as a standalone solution, noting that Cuba’s economy cannot thrive under a communist government that, in his view, is led by incompetent leaders. He stressed that it is highly unlikely that international investors would risk billions of dollars in a country where political reforms do not accompany economic changes, limiting any possibility of sustainable development.
The Secretary of State emphasized that real progress in Cuba requires a dual approach: advancing economic and political freedoms simultaneously. Rubio stated that without structural reforms in the country’s administration, any attempt to open the economy would be doomed to fail and would only prolong the regime’s dependence over its population.
Additionally, Rubio pointed out that those who speak about Cuba’s situation from sources outside the U.S. government often lack firsthand information, leading to misconceptions about the viability of economic agreements without political backing. Therefore, he insisted that economic and political change must be inseparable: economic freedom can only thrive if political freedom is also guaranteed, and vice versa.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of promoting structural reforms that include transparency, respect for fundamental rights, and political openness as essential pillars for any development strategy in Cuba, reiterating that prosperity and progress will only be possible if both aspects are addressed simultaneously.
