"Members of the Cuban diaspora marched through central Madrid on Saturday, holding Cuban, Venezuelan and Spanish flags and shouting slogans against the Cuban government while voicing support for stepped-up pressure from the United States. Footage shows protesters waving signs reading 'Down with the dictatorship' and 'Freedom for political prisoners,' chanting as they moved through city streets. Some participants were wrapped in Cuban flags and posed with banners for photographers. "We are here because we want everyone to know that, thanks to the Trump administration, we now have hope that we can be freed," one protester said. "We are telling everyone what is really happening in Cuba… thanks to the Trump administration, which is helping us to free ourselves… we can now see a ray of light, a ray of freedom." Several demonstrators emphasised their rejection of Cuba’s internal repression and applauded measures they said were aimed at undermining the regime rather than punishing the population. "I had to flee my country because of the situation there," another protester said. "We’re trying to let the world know that those measures are not to punish the people; they are to liberate them, because the government does not want to give up power." Many appealed directly to US authorities to maintain pressure on Havana. "So what we are asking for here today is that Donald Trump finish the job… The Cuban dictatorship… must fall as soon as possible, because the dignity of the Cuban people must be restored," a third protester said. Cuba is currently facing one of its most severe energy crises in recent years, amid reduced fuel imports and ongoing US sanctions, which have contributed to widespread shortages and prolonged power outages. According to figures submitted by Cuba to the United Nations, the sanctions resulted in losses exceeding $7.5 billion between 2023 and 2024, affecting imports, financial flows, and key sectors including food, energy, and healthcare."