US Secretary of State Rubio. Photo: Collected
US Secretary of State Rubio has claimed that Cuba is already “on the brink of collapse”, saying the country’s economy is dysfunctional and the government is unable to effectively serve its people.
Rubio made these claims in an interview with US media outlet Fox News on Monday (September 28) local time.
Rubio said Cuba’s political and economic system has failed to bring any significant benefits to the country’s people. He said changes are needed to move the country toward political and economic independence.
“The truth is, Cuba is already in decline. The country has no viable economy. And those who run the country are still talking about a revolution that died 20 years ago,” he said.
Criticizing Cuba’s current political system, he said it has failed to build a functioning economy or government. In his words, “Cuba is a failed state in every sense.”
The US Secretary of State also cited the exodus of Cuban citizens abroad as an example of Cuba’s economic crisis.
He claims that nearly 20 percent of Cuba’s total population has left the country since 2021. According to him, this mass migration is the result of the country’s “total failure.”
He also said the United States hopes Cuba will choose a different path.
According to Rubio, economic reforms alone will not fundamentally change the current situation in Cuba. In addition, political freedom must also be ensured.
He said, “Economic independence is not possible in Cuba without first having political independence.”
According to him, the two changes must be carried out at least at the same time and this requires a transition period.
Source: Anadolu