Miguel Diaz-Canel

Miguel Diaz-Canel is the current President of Cuba. He is newsworthy due to escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States under President Donald Trump. Recent events include Trump's threats of tariffs on countries supplying Cuba with oil, particularly Venezuela, and a reported White House effort to seek 'regime change' by identifying Cuban officials willing to cooperate with Washington. Diaz-Canel has responded by denouncing Trump's policies as 'fascist, criminal, and genocidal,' rejecting negotiations amid escalating threats, and organizing mass demonstrations to protest the US actions in Venezuela, including the abduction of President Maduro. Cuba has also mourned the deaths of 32 soldiers killed in a US attack on Venezuela. Domestically, Cuba sentenced former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil to life in prison for espionage. Diaz-Canel's leadership is significant as he navigates Cuba through these heightened external pressures and internal challenges, maintaining close ties with Venezuela while facing potential economic hardship and political instability.