We are in a right-wing wave across the world, but a progressive wave will soon come, expressed in Havana Frei Betto, who considered that a possible defeat of Trump in the November elections would mean a step forward for progressive forces at the global level.

The prominent Brazilian theologian and writer Frei Betto, invited to the space "Encuentro con..." hosted by Magda Resik in the Salón de Mayo of the Pabellón Cuba, called on young Cubans to resist with innovation and critical awareness in the face of the genocidal aggression the island is suffering.

He noted that U.S. imperialism, although it maintains enormous dominance over the West, faces serious internal contradictions that announce its decline.

During the meeting at the national headquarters of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), where he received the Maestro de Juventudes recognition granted in recent days, the intellectual and man of faith stressed that there is no place for pessimism, and that history shows that all empires, however powerful they may seem, eventually crumble.

We are in a right-wing wave across the world, but a progressive wave will soon come, expressed the also Casa de las Américas Prize winner, who considered that a possible defeat of Trump in the November elections would mean a step forward for progressive forces at the global level.

The renowned human rights fighter, who maintained a close friendship with the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz (1926-2016), highlighted the relevance of the Commander in Chief's thinking and his example of humility, evoking his wish that his name never be used to identify hospitals, universities or avenues after his death.

Betto also warned about the impact of digital networks in fostering narcissism and individualism, factors that, in his view, partly explain the rise of the global right.

In contrast, he praised the resistance of the Cuban people and their ability to maintain fundamental human rights: food, health and education, as priorities of the Revolution, despite the criminal U.S. blockade.

Upon receiving the title of Maestro de Juventudes, the special guest expressed that it was an incentive for his militancy and that, as long as God allowed him to live, he would always be in the trench of good causes, while ratifying his commitment to the liberation of Brazil from neofascism and the reelection of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Yasel Toledo Garnache, president of the host organization, expressed that from the first time the friend of the Revolution established contact with this Caribbean island, he stayed here; and that his example of revolutionary coherence continues to inspire new generations of Cuban artists and intellectuals.

With this tribute, the AHS reaffirms its commitment to just causes and to the legacy of those who, like Frei Betto, defend Cuba and Latin America.

The meeting with the prominent humanist was also attended by Elier Ramírez Cañedo, deputy head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee, as well as other directors of the AHS and the Union of Cuban Journalists.