CUBA IS THE LITMUS TEST FOR THE LATIN AMERICAN LEFT

This article by CBC’s Evan Dyer offers insight into the broader repercussions of the re emergence of populism in Latin America. As the leading five economies are ruled by populist rulers (Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina) this article should serve as a reminder that betting on individuals and not institutions has historically led to authoritarianism in the hemisphere, either from left wing or right wing populists.

In the article I offer insight into relationships between the left an the Cuban regime.

"That's the nature of complicity with Cuba - they might rule as democrats in their countries but in the relations with Cuba they are open to supporting all the human rights abuses in the island," said Cuban-Canadian democracy activist Michael Lima Cuadra.

Lima Cuadra recalls Lula's reaction on the day in 2010 that human rights activist Orlando Zapata Tamayo died on hunger strike in a Cuban prison: "Lula da Silva compared Zapata and other dissidents to delinquents from Sao Paulo, which I thought was terrible from someone who comes from the working class."

"I always look forward to a left in Latin America that separates from the Castro regime," said Lima Cuadra. "But it hasn't happened yet."

Cited in Brazil's election suggests a socialist wave in the Americas — but the numbers tell a different story by Evan Dyer, CBC. November 5, 2022