A survey by El Toque shows that most Cubans want the release of political prisoners and respect for human rights to top any potential dialogue with the United States. Conducted amid geopolitical tensions, the poll gathered 12,800 votes in 24 hours across various digital platforms. The economic and energy crisis also stands out as a major concern, particularly among users in Cuba.
Amid tensions from the US military's extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela, Cuba has reentered public discourse due to its ties with the Latin American nation and potential US actions against Havana's regime. On January 11, 2026, aboard Air Force One, President Trump stated: “We are talking with Cuba and you will know very soon.” The next day, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel denied any talks on his social media, except for technical migration contacts.
With limited civic spaces for voicing views, El Toque conducted a survey on January 12, 2026, asking: “If there were a real and sustained dialogue between Cuba and the United States, what issue should take first place on the agenda?” It received 12,800 votes in 24 hours: 4,766 on WhatsApp, 1,512 on YouTube, 83 on X, 508 on Telegram, and 5,931 on Facebook.
The option “Freedom for political prisoners and human rights” topped most platforms. It got 81% on YouTube, 67.5% on X, and 50% on Facebook (2,945 votes). This highlights a broad view that without progress on fundamental freedoms, any dialogue would lack legitimacy. On Facebook, an extra option emerged: “Free elections,” with 1,337 votes (23%).
The economic and energy crisis ranked second overall but led on WhatsApp (2,535 votes) and Telegram (56%), where 96% of WhatsApp users live in Cuba. Prolonged blackouts, food and medicine shortages, inflation, and the energy system's collapse drive these urgent concerns.
Migration and family reunification scored low: 1% on YouTube, 3.6% on X, and 20% on Telegram. Reviewing or lifting US sanctions fared even worse: 6% on YouTube, 2.4% on X, and about 2% on Facebook.
In comments, users called for topics like removing dictators, transitioning to democracy, emigrant returns, and activism without repression. The findings suggest Cubans want any dialogue to start with people, rights, and freedoms, while addressing the island's severe economic crisis.
