GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer reacted to the death of Fidel Castro, Cuba’s iconic leader of the revolution: 

“We will remember Fidel Castro as a heroic statesman of the 20th century who, alongside Che Guevara, resisted the Batista dictatorship and made possible the Cuban revolution, to widespread popular support. We will also remember Castro as a believer in socialist ideals and a supporter of self-determination of peoples. Thanks to Castro’s vision and leadership Cuba has today, one of the region’s best human development indices, with free health and education.” 

“Fidel Castro stood for internationalism and the struggles of the oppressed and against colonialism, during the struggles for national liberation across the developing world in the 60s and beyond. Castro stood firmly for Latin American unity. Cuba has continued to be a positive force in the region until the last days of his life with its tireless efforts in advancing the ongoing peace process in Colombia and strengthening of regional solidarity.” 

“His staunch opposition to imperialism and neoliberal capitalism has made him target of countless US assassination attempts and acts of sabotage against his government. In 1961 Castro successfully fought off a CIA-sponsored Bay of Pigs invasion by Cuban exiles. The Cuban people stood resilient for over 50 years against the odds of a US embargo and attempts at isolating the island.” 

“Castro's legacy of steadfastness and inspiration are being commemorated by millions of Cubans and supporters across the world. We look forward to continue to work with the Cuban people and government to end definitely the US embargo on Cuba and support steps towards democratic reform.”

“Hasta la victoria siempre!”