Cuban Deputy Elián González denounces US embargo at solidarity meeting in Gijón

Elián González, a member of Cuba's National Assembly, addressed a gathering of the XVIII Encuentro Estatal de Solidaridad con Cuba in Gijón/Xixón, Spain, on July 5, 2026. In his speech he described the United States' economic and military pressure on Cuba as an unprecedented siege, blaming it for the closure of tourism infrastructure, rising unemployment and loss of foreign‑exchange earnings. González highlighted achievements in health, education and culture since the Revolution, but warned that the country is now facing its most difficult moment. He recalled the period of relative openness from 2015 to 2018 under the Obama administration and called for continued resistance and a peaceful future built without reliance on external aid.

The event attracted over 350 participants and featured other speakers, including Juan Ponte of the Asturias government and scientist Fidel Castro Smirnov, underscoring continued international solidarity with Cuba despite the embargo.