The United States government asserted that the Cuban regime is going through a critical stage and warned that the political system imposed by Castroism "is not going to last much longer". Christopher Landau, United States Deputy Secretary of State, expressed this, and he maintained that Washington expects that in 2026 Cubans will be able to fully exercise their essential freedoms.
The statements were made through a video message projected at the residence of the United States ambassador in Havana, Mike Hammer, during the inauguration ceremony of the activities for the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
"After 67 years of a failed revolution, it is time for change"
In his message, Landau quoted President Donald Trump and stated that "the Castro-communist regime is staggering and is not going to last much longer". The official was blunt in describing the Cuban political process as a failed revolution that for almost seven decades "betrayed the Cuban people".
"After 67 years of a failed revolution, it is already time for the change that people on the island aspire to", Landau maintained, while he emphasized that the United States will closely follow all political and social developments in Cuba.
Support for the Cuban people and demand for political prisoners
The Deputy Secretary of State reaffirmed that the Republican administration is committed to supporting ordinary Cubans, insisting on the need for human rights to be respected and for all political prisoners who remain detained for ideological reasons to be released.
"We hope that in 2026 Cubans will finally be able to exercise their essential freedoms", Landau stated, in one of the most explicit messages from the United States government about a possible regime change on the island.
Reports of repression during the diplomatic event
During the reception at the embassy, Ambassador Mike Hammer reported that multiple Cuban guests were unable to attend due to operations by the regime's security forces, which blocked access, carried out arrests, and forced several opposition members to remain in their homes.
Non-governmental organizations and opposition leaders confirmed that at least ten opposition members and independent journalists were intercepted to prevent their participation.
