Vienna, June 19, 2026-Cuba’s Ambassador to Austria, Pablo Berti Oliva, gave an interview to the Austrian media outlet Volksstimme, in which he addressed the complex situation facing the island due to the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, the Cuban government’s strategies to overcome the energy crisis, and the fundamental role of international solidarity.
In the interview conducted by Nora Dornis, the Cuban diplomat explained that the blockade—in place for 67 years and tightened during Donald Trump’s presidency—has caused a severe economic crisis that threatens to lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Berti Oliva detailed that the sanctions have severely affected the island’s oil supply, causing power outages and disruptions to water supply, food preparation, and transportation, with a consequent increase in infant mortality rates and a decline in childhood cancer survival rates from 85% to 65%.
The ambassador emphasized that, despite the difficulties, the Cuban government has accelerated plans to transform the national energy matrix. He also reported that economic reforms are being implemented—such as downsizing the state apparatus, merging ministries, and granting greater autonomy to municipalities—to make the country’s economic and administrative management more efficient.
The Cuban diplomat highlighted the importance of combining practical acts of solidarity—such as sending medicines and solar panels—with political advocacy efforts to raise awareness among governments and parliaments about the illegality of the blockade. He expressly thanked the Austrian Communist Party (KPÖ) for its campaigns, such as the “Sun for Cuba” initiative, and praised the shipment of 100 kilograms of medicines to the island by Slovenian students. The Cuban diplomat emphasized that any form of support, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated and helps alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people, while reiterating Cuba’s willingness to continue offering solidarity to other nations, as it has historically done through its medical brigades and international cooperation programs.
Finally, the ambassador sent a message to the international solidarity movement: “Continue to support Cuba as you have done so far. Keep denouncing the sanctions and measures imposed against Cuba. Rest assured that we will continue to fight for our sovereignty, because we are convinced that a better world is possible, and we must work together to achieve it.”
(EmbaCubaAustria)