In an archived BBC interview, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro firmly rejected claims that his policies led to severe economic difficulties on the island nation. Here are the key points covered:
- Castro insisted Cubans were “happy” with ample food and essentials
- He claimed agricultural production was increasing rapidly
- Castro said Cuba had more democracy than the United States
- He affirmed Cuba was building a socialist society before communism
Do Castro’s comments accurately portray 1960s Cuba? Let’s take a closer look.
Castro: “Everybody Working, Everybody Happy”
When asked about reports of economic problems caused by his policies, Castro forcefully denied any hardship. “I haven’t seen any,” he stated, “and everybody seemed happy.”
The Cuban leader acknowledged some “small difficulties” currently. However, he expressed confidence that ramping up agricultural work would fulfill soon fulfil Cuba’s needs.
“What we need is to work, and what we need is peace to work,” Castro declared.
More Democracy Than the U.S.?
Defending Cuba’s lack of elections, Castro claimed, “The people said we don’t want politics now because we are working.” He alleged that “politics was good only for robbers and for criminals.”
In a striking statement, Castro asserted, “I am sure there is more democracy here [in Cuba] than that in the United States.”
He argued that empowering workers and peasants proved “the most free man you can find in all America is the Cuban man.”
Socialism Before Communism
When questioned about communism, Castro drew a distinction, saying, “We are building a socialist society.”
He characterized the next step as achieving communism, claiming Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev “is going now to be communist because he is building the Communist society.”
However, Castro downplayed his alliance with communist powers, stating, “the best thing for peace is thinking in peace.”
Balanced Perspective Needed
While Fidel Castro portrayed 1960s Cuba positively in this interview, other sources suggest economic and political realities were more complex.
Critical evaluation of diverse viewpoints is vital to fully understanding this controversial era in Cuban history.
The screenshot is taken from : jacobin.com
