Germany and Cuba

With the Spanish government’s decision to bail on the Cuban people in favor of short term stability and profits, the traditional role that Spain had played under the previous government of the Partido Popular and José María Aznar, at the European Union of denouncing Cuba’s human rights abuses and lack of democracy has been vacated.

Enter Germany who is currently holds the European Union’s rotating chair. According to Dr. Ricardo Bofill in El Diario De Las Americas, Germany “inspired” by PM Merkel, who knows all too well the suffering of the Cuban people under Castro’s totalitarian regime since she he hails from the old East Germany, has been taking the lead in Geneva to oppose Castro’s human rights abuses and is expected to continue that role in the EU.

This is much welcomed news since the European Union will begin analyzing its common position on Cuba on Monday. Spain, acting as Castro’s representative, is expected to push towards a “critical dialogue” policy. Hopefully with Berlin on board, the Czech and Polish view that the EU should actively work towards a democratic transition on the island will prevail.