Speculation Surrounds Potential Secretary of State Nominee Marco Rubio
While the announcement has not been made, it is expected President Donald Trump will name Sen. Marco Rubio as secretary of state.
Potential Impact on Latin America
If selected, Rubio could be the first Hispanic to hold the high-ranking post, which dates to the country’s founding.
Activists and experts in Latin America are already discussing what Trump policy would look like in his second term with Rubio as secretary of state.
Expert Insights
“From the perspective of somebody who studies Latin America, it’s always great to have somebody that knowledgeable, and who happens to be Latin American in the end,” said FIU Politics Prof. Eduardo Gamarra, who described Rubio as someone who is well-educated, well-read and who possesses extraordinary analytical skills.
Cuba and the Cuban Liberty Act
Orlando Gutierrez of the Cuban Democratic Directorate said he is hoping the Cuban Liberty Act is fully enacted.
The law has a very good blueprint for Cubans to return to freedom and democracy, he said.
Gutierrez wants Canada, Europe and the United States to have a united front when it comes to Cuba, and demand the government opens the way for free multi-party elections.
Other Priorities
From inside Cuba, activist Manuel Cuesta Morua told NBC6 that the new administration should focus on two things: the entrepreneurial ecosystem on the island and the recognition of the democratic community inside Cuba.
As for Nicaragua, “one powerful step would be the suspension or outright termination of the Central American Free Trade Agreement,” said Felix Maradiaga, a Nicaraguan activist and former presidential candidate now living in exile in the United States after being jailed by the Daniel Ortega government.
Expectations for Relations with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela
Gamarra said expect maximum pressure on those countries to continue.
In Venezuela, for example, during Trump’s first term, there were sanctions that specifically targeted the oil sector.
In the case of Cuba, Gamarra said pressure may work as the communist island is at a crossroads – politically, economically and socially. The island is still dealing with the aftermath of two hurricanes, an earthquake and a failing power grid.
“Increasing pressure, this time, may just do the trick,” Gamarra said.
Conclusion
The potential nomination of Sen. Marco Rubio as secretary of state has sparked discussion about what Trump policy would look like in his second term. Experts and activists are weighing in on what they hope to see in terms of policy changes, particularly in Latin America.
FAQs
Q: What is the Cuban Liberty Act?
A: The Cuban Liberty Act is a law that aims to promote democracy and freedom in Cuba.
Q: What is the Central American Free Trade Agreement?
A: The Central American Free Trade Agreement is a trade agreement between the United States and Central American countries, including Nicaragua.
Q: What are the expectations for relations with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela?
A: Experts expect maximum pressure on these countries to continue, with a focus on promoting democracy and freedom in Cuba and Nicaragua, and addressing the crisis in Venezuela.
