CNN featured a favorable interview with Sandro Castro, the grandson of Fidel Castro, on Monday night. Sandro is among the few well-off individuals in communist Cuba and has gained some recognition as an Instagram influencer.
He expressed that he believes most Cubans desire a capitalist system, yet he described the widespread animosity towards his grandfather, a notorious figure who executed many, as “counterproductive.”
Castro supported former President Donald Trump’s call for engagement between the U.S. and Cuba but clarified that he does not endorse threats against the island.
Sandro Castro, often described as “eccentric,” showcases his lavish lifestyle on social media. He frequently drives a luxury Mercedes-Benz and organizes extravagant birthday parties while many in Cuba face severe hardships, a situation indirectly supported by the government. His great-uncle Raúl Castro continues to hold significant power as the dictator, despite Miguel Díaz-Canel being positioned as the president.
Active primarily on Instagram, Castro boasts over 158,000 followers, where he shares everything from self-promotional content to comedic videos to dances commenting on Trump’s immigration policies.
His recent posts have lightly criticized Cuba’s regime, highlighting issues like gasoline shortages and trash collection failures in Havana. He recently expressed disappointment over the scarcity of Coca-Cola for mixed drinks in a country where his family has dealt with malnutrition. A recent “comedy sketch” featured an impersonator of Trump offering to “buy Cuba,” identified by media as Roberto Ferrante, who has connections to the Castro regime.
In a report by CNN, correspondent Patrick Oppmann interviewed Castro, who claimed he represented “a sign of changing times” in Cuba. During Oppmann’s visit, Havana was facing another blackout, while Castro’s apartment remained powered by a generator.
According to “CiberCuba,” the interview took place in a posh area of Havana known for housing military and intelligence personnel. Castro promoted the interview on social media by showcasing himself in a car, saying, “CNN International is getting better.”
Oppmann inquired about what Fidel—often labeled a dictator—might think of Sandro’s views, to which young Castro misleadingly asserted that his grandfather respected differing opinions, a stark contrast to the reality of his regime’s repression.
He remarked, “Many Cubans think in a capitalist way. I believe the majority prefer capitalism to communism,” indicating a desire for change in the country.
“I think most Cubans would rather be capitalists than communists,” he added.
When asked about Díaz-Canel, Castro critiqued his performance, suggesting he was not fulfilling his responsibilities effectively and that mistakes were now impacting the nation.
The interview failed to address that Díaz-Canel operates under Raúl Castro and does not have full autonomy.
Sandro Castro recounted being interrogated by national security for his social media posts but maintained he was released because he never advocated for violence or regime change. The government is known for harshly punishing dissenters on social media.
Oppmann posed a question about the hatred directed at Castro’s family. The younger Castro attributed this to the complex social dynamics while not mentioning the oppressive history of his family’s regime, saying, “Many Cubans likely wish for a more capitalist system. Perhaps that’s fostered some of the negativity, which is unfortunate and unproductive.”
Oppmann did not challenge Castro’s statements.
A considerable portion of his online content focuses on promoting Cristal beer, a once-popular Cuban brand that has diminished significantly due to years of mismanagement. He expressed a desire to “produce his own beer, invest in more clubs and cars,” while feeling “frustrated” by the restrictions his family’s regime imposes.
