The President of the Supreme Court defends that more than one million Cubans attended the "combat march."

The president of the Supreme Court of Cuba reaffirms that more than a million Cubans marched on December 20, although criticisms and analyses suggest that the numbers are inflated and participation was coerced.

Marcha en Cuba © Facebook/Presidencia de Cuba
March in CubaPhoto © Facebook/Presidency of Cuba

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With the polarizing and ironic tone characteristic of Cuban leaders, the president of the Supreme Court of Cuba, Rubén Remigio Ferro, stated that more than one million Cubans participated in the so-called "march of the combatant people," held on December 20.

"How can we not feel proud to be Cuban! Do you want to talk about democracy? Tell me something about this march with over a million people? Forced? Don't mess with me!", wrote the Cuban official on the social network X.

Her post received criticism from many Cubans who expressed their opinions in the comments regarding the inflated number reported by the Cuban state authorities regarding assistance at that event.

"And what did those four rams marching decide? Because all the fuel for those buses was taken from the small towns in the interior of Cuba, which experienced an 18-hour blackout that day," expressed an internet user.

Another person questioned him, "Are you sure there were more than a million people? And if we want to talk about democracy, unless you believe that democracy means transporting people in buses to take part in a march where there weren't a million people."

"Democracy: if you were absent, they would penalize you at work by deducting several days' pay, and as a student, you would receive a disciplinary record. All very democratic," noted an internet user.

According to an analysis published by CiberCuba, the images and technical data from the march suggest that the actual attendance was significantly lower than the official figure. It is estimated that between 30,000 and 50,000 people participated, far from the more than 500,000 reported by the Cuban government.

Additionally, it has been reported that many of the attendees were coerced into participating through their workplaces or educational institutions, a common method used in such events.

Images released showed how some workers were transported in trucks used for other purposes to the march location, highlighting the precarious conditions in which many of the attendees were mobilized.

There have also been noted contradictions in the official speeches and government narrative, characterizing the event as part of a propaganda strategy to distract from the economic and social issues facing the country.

Frequently Asked Questions about the "March of the Combatant People" in Cuba

How many people actually attended the "March of the Combatant People" in Cuba?

Although the Cuban government claimed that over a million people attended the march, independent analyses suggest that the actual number may be around half a million, with some critical reports estimating participation at only about 14,071 people.

Why is the organization of the "March of the Fighting People" criticized?

The criticism of the march focuses on the perception that it is a propaganda act intended to divert attention from the real problems in Cuba, such as the economic crisis and power outages. Additionally, there have been concerns about the inefficient use of state resources in its organization and the pressures to ensure attendance.

How has the Cuban population reacted to the march called by the government?

The Cuban population has reacted with discontent and rejection towards the march, viewing it as an unnecessary propaganda act. Many have expressed their frustration on social media, criticizing the government's disconnect from the real needs of the people and using hashtags like #IWon'tMarch.

What does the discrepancy in the participation figures reported by the Cuban government symbolize?

The discrepancy in the figures, with the government reporting over a million attendees while other sources estimate much lower numbers, highlights the regime's manipulation of data to project an image of popular support that does not reflect reality.

What is the impact of the economic crisis on the perception of government-organized marches in Cuba?

The economic crisis in Cuba has heightened discontent towards the marches organized by the government, as many citizens believe these events serve as a distraction from urgent issues such as food shortages and power outages, which severely impact their quality of life.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on current events in Cuba and global issues. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.