Raúl Castro Former

Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered remarks in Spanish directed at the Cuban people, blasting the communist regime for plundering billions while citizens go without electricity, fuel, or food.

Rubio:

"The reason you are FORCED to sur...

Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered remarks in Spanish directed at the Cuban people, blasting the communist regime for plundering billions while citizens go without electricity, fuel, or food.

Rubio:

"The reason you are FORCED to survive without electricity is NOT an oil blockade by America...no electricity, fuel or food is because the people who control it have PLUNDERED billions of dollars, but NOTHING has been used to help the people!"

"30 years ago, Raúl Castro founded a company called GAESA. This company is owned by the Armed Forces and operated by them, and has income three times higher than the current budget of his government!"

"Today, while you are suffering, these entrepreneurs have $18 billion in assets and control 70% of Cuba's economy."

"They obtain profits from hotels, constructions, banks, stores, and even the money that their relatives send them from the United States."

"Everything, everything goes through their hands. From those remittances, they retain a percentage, but nothing comes to you from the profits of GAESA."

"Instead of using the money to buy oil, like all other countries in the world, they depended on Hugo Chavez and Maduro's free oil to keep the money. But now that they no longer receive free oil, they buy fuel for their generators and their vehicles, while the people are asked to sacrifice themselves."

"If owning your own business and having the right to vote is possible around Cuba, why is it not possible for you inside Cuba? In the United States, we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our people and our countries!"

"And right now, the only thing that gets in the way of a better future is those who control their country."