Miguel Díaz-Canel Accuses United States of Hypocrisy Over Cuba Sanctions

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused the United States of hypocrisy on Friday for imposing new restrictions on privately owned Cuban businesses while simultaneously promoting private enterprise. Speaking during a podcast with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, Díaz-Canel condemned recent U.S. sanctions that revoked the ability of small Cuban entrepreneurs to hold accounts in U.S. banks.

He defended a June economic reform package that allows private firms to employ more than 100 workers, access idle land, and engage in import-export activities without state intermediaries. While Díaz-Canel stated that the Cuban government will not embrace capitalism, these reforms align with long-standing U.S. demands for economic opening. He argued that U.S. actions make it clear there is no willingness to benefit the Cuban people.

Díaz-Canel also rejected claims from U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Cuba is a "failed state." He maintained that the government will not stop its current course despite the external pressure.