The hypocrisy of the Cuban regime is once again exposed with the case of Manuel Anido Cuesta, son of Lis Cuesta and an "advisor" to the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel. While Cuba is experiencing one of its worst crises in decades, marked by daily blackouts, rampant inflation, and a massive exodus that drains the nation, this regime official strolls comfortably through Madrid, the capital of capitalism, enjoying a romance with a Hollywood star like Ana de Armas.
Although he doesn't officially hold a documented public position, Manuel Anido has been seen repeatedly in the entourage of Miguel Díaz-Canel during his trips abroad. As such, he seems to hold some role close to the leader, as he has been introduced to figures like the Pope and other dignitaries during these trips. Some Cuban media refer to him as an "advisor," but we all know he is nothing more than a spoiled child of the current power wielded in Cuba.
The most uncomfortable question is: with what money did this official fund his romantic getaway?
Public Money: If this trip was funded with state resources, it is a direct insult to the millions of Cubans living in poverty. In a country where hospitals lack basic medicines and blackouts last for hours, spending public money on personal luxuries is a flagrant betrayal of the people. This would not be the first time that high-ranking officials of the regime have used state funds to finance their privileged lives.
Personal money: If it is argued that this trip was funded with his personal money, an inevitable question arises: how can a Cuban official, with a salary theoretically aligned with "socialist austerity," afford international travel, dinners in Madrid, and a lifestyle akin to that of a European playboy? This can only suggest that his "personal money" stems from the privileges, connections, and possibly the corruption that characterize the inner circle of power in Cuba.
This is not just an outrage; it is a direct mockery of the Cuban people. While millions of Cubans are trying to rebuild their lives after two widespread blackouts and the devastation caused by two hurricanes and several devastating earthquakes that struck the east and west of the country, Manuel Anido Cuesta, alleged presidential advisor and stepson of Díaz-Canel, is comfortably traveling across Europe. It is inconceivable that someone in such a significant position would be on vacation while the country is facing one of its worst crises in decades.
The role of a presidential advisor is not to vacation while the country collapses.
Cuba remains literally shrouded in darkness. Blackouts are a constant issue, leaving millions of Cubans without electricity for hours, even days. Without power, there is no refrigeration for food, when it can be obtained, no running water, and daily life turns into a constant struggle. Additionally, thousands of families have lost their homes after hurricanes and have little hope of recovering them, as the government has made hardly any progress in reconstruction efforts.
The devastation is evident in every corner of the country. Children sleep in the open, the elderly suffer without medicine or electricity, and families who managed to save something from their homes live under roofs that threaten to collapse. Meanwhile, Manuel Anido Cuesta, who should be helping to design solutions for these issues, prefers to indulge in luxury in Europe.
The role of a presidential advisor is not to vacation while the country collapses. Their job should be to lead reconstruction efforts, seek urgent solutions to the energy crisis, and ensure that affected families receive support. Instead, Anido Cuesta seems more interested in romantic dinners and sightseeing, living in a manner completely detached from the realities of Cubans.
This behavior is a slap in the face to the Cuban people. In a country where sacrifice and austerity are the principles that the regime constantly preaches, it is a clear indication of the disconnection and disdain the elite has for those who support them when an official lives so brazenly opulently. It is time for Cubans to demand accountability. No one who calls themselves "revolutionary" should have the privilege of enjoying what is denied to the people.
Finally, Ana de Armas's involvement in this story cannot be overlooked. It is perplexing that an actress who had to emigrate from Cuba to achieve success maintains a relationship with the stepson of a dictator who embodies the regime that forced so many Cubans, like herself, to flee.
Does she not understand her political role?: Hardly. Ana de Armas is an informed public figure, and it is unlikely that she is unaware of the political connections and symbolism of her partner. If she continues the relationship nonetheless, it suggests an alarming indifference toward the suffering of Cubans. The message to the Cuban exile community: Her relationship with Anido Cuesta can be seen as a way to normalize the regime, effectively whitening the image of the ruling elite in Cuba. For many in exile, this amounts to a symbolic betrayal, a gesture that diminishes the hardships faced by the Cuban people.
Manuel Anido Cuesta is not just an ordinary citizen; he is a representative of the regime that has brought Cuba to the brink of disaster. His behavior is further evidence that the system does not serve the people, but rather enriches and protects a corrupt elite that is disconnected from reality. It is time for Cubans and those who support their cause for freedom to demand transparency, accountability, and real change.
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