The blockade against the Caribbean island nation of Cuba, which violates international law, has been ongoing for 62 years. The annual campaign to end the US-initiated embargo begins in Berlin. What is the local economic situation?
The blockade is comprehensive and is the main cause of the instability in Cuba today. Or, as the Cubans say, the situation is “very complicated.” Cuba has been in a permanent state of exception since the collapse of the Socialist Economic Mutual Assistance Committee. Cuba still adheres to the plan to build a socialist society. The stated goal is to guarantee health care to all, education to all, and basic needs such as housing and food. This requires a high level of creative desire and vision, but it also requires a stable economic situation. And the United States has been working since 1960 to ensure that this does not happen.
What specific impact does the ban have on the population?
At a time when the coronavirus pandemic was throwing the world into chaos and global solidarity was needed, the US reinforcing sanctions against Cuba was a welcome opportunity. However, Cuba took up the challenge, developed its own vaccine, sent doctors where needed, and showed solidarity. One of its most important sources of income, tourism, dried up and has not fully recovered to this day.
Blockages aren’t the only external factor…
Climate change and related meteorological phenomena, such as hurricanes and droughts, are particularly affecting Cuba. Production is stagnant and there are shortages of basic goods. The global economy, shaped by war and the hegemonic assertion of “Western values,” is causing explosive prices for food, transportation and energy. Cuba is turning its back on the wall. As a former Cuban ambassador to Berlin once summarized: “The Cuban people and government are primarily concerned with regulating the daily effects of the blockade. They are doing less and less of the real work of building a socialist society.”
Do you think Cuba’s political leadership is also responsible?
Of course, mistakes are made, bad decisions are made. New things are tried and then discarded. It is a constant fight for survival. This puts a serious strain on the population. Many people are tired and have no hope that the lockdown will end in the near future, and especially the young and well-educated are leaving the country.
Blockades are considered an act of war internationally. What can peace advocates do about it?
Since 1992, the UN General Assembly has held an annual vote in which the nations of the world voted to immediately lift this shameful blockade. In 2023, 187 countries called for it, with only two votes against, the US and Israel. Unless this leads to a change in political behavior, the vote is an empty shell. This is where peace-loving people must begin to demand it.
You are calling for a bicycle demonstration in Berlin on September 21st. What do you hope to achieve with that?
This is the fourth time we have taken to the streets to demand an end to the US blockade. We are using it to reach out to people outside our circle, talk to passersby, and make them aware of the injustice that has existed for over 60 years. The ‘Unblock Cuba’ campaign, which our Friendship Association is promoting ahead of the UN vote this year, young world We are receiving support for organizing vigils, letter-writing campaigns and events. In November, the European Solidarity Movement with Cuba will meet in Paris to discuss further joint measures.
