US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Cuba’s economic and political direction is unlikely to improve while the current leadership remains in power.
Speaking in an interview aired by Fox News on Wednesday, Rubio described Cuba’s economy as dysfunctional and argued that the country’s financial resources are concentrated in the hands of military-linked entities rather than benefiting ordinary citizens.
Rubio claimed that major revenue-generating sectors in Cuba are controlled by a company connected to senior military officials, alleging that billions of dollars remain outside public access. He said the current system has failed to deliver meaningful economic progress for the Cuban population.
The top US diplomat maintained that any significant shift in Cuba’s economic trajectory would require changes within the ruling leadership, adding that the current authorities have shown themselves incapable of reform.
Rubio also expressed skepticism that the situation would improve under the existing government, despite saying Washington was willing to observe whether any meaningful changes emerge.
Cuba is currently facing a worsening fuel shortage and recurring nationwide power outages following a US oil embargo introduced on Jan. 30. The crisis has intensified pressure on the island’s struggling economy.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly increased pressure on Havana in recent months, warning that Cuba could face further instability following recent US military actions against Iran.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE