Mexico's Surprising Alliance: How Cuba Stays Afloat

For decades, Cuba's communist regime has relied on support from various countries. First, it was the Soviet Union, then Venezuela. Now, Mexico has stepped up, becoming a crucial lifeline for Cuba. Despite Mexico's domestic struggles, like increasing violence and blackouts, its government keeps sending aid to Cuba. In 2023, Mexico even promised Cuba "everything" it needs, which shows that the Cuban embargo might not be as effective as thought. Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, seems more interested in Cuba's crisis than her own country's problems. She's sent food, oil, and other supplies to Cuba, even guaranteeing 5. 4 million barrels of oil. This support isn't helping the Cuban people but rather propping up the dictatorship that has no free elections and over 1, 100 political prisoners. Some people might wonder why Mexico would do this. It could be a misguided sense of solidarity or a desire to score political points. Whatever the reason, it's hurting Mexico's image and might even lead to similar cooperation schemes, like using Mexican labor or military advisors in exchange for oil. The Cuban regime blames blackouts on lack of oil and old machinery, but the real issue is poor management and hostile business environment. Mexico's aid could be making things worse by enabling the regime's bad practices. Mexico's support for Cuba isn't just a foreign policy decision; it's affecting Mexico's own democracy. The government has been making changes that weaken democratic institutions. They've approved judicial reforms, militarized security, and removed transparency agencies. It's clear that Mexico's support is for the Cuban dictatorship, not its people. If Mexico truly cared, it would condition aid on the release of political prisoners and free elections. Dictatorships like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela stay in power thanks to brutal repression and the shameful support of countries like Mexico.