The University Student Federation (FEU) of Cuba, which initially expressed its clear opposition to the ETECSA Tariff Increase, announced that this Sunday it participated in a meeting with the management of the Telecommunications Company, alongside the Communist Party of Cuba, the Young Communists Union (UJC), the Revolutionary Government, the Training Ministries, and the FEEM.
After the meeting, the FEU published a conciliatory statement on Facebook, in which it, as expected, launched an attack against "the enemies."
According to the statement, the meeting allowed for a "constructive dialogue with important solutions" to address the concerns of the student body regarding the announced increase in rates by the state telecommunications company.
The FEU stated that the proposals arising from that meeting will be announced soon, and condemned what it described as "manipulation by enemies of the Revolution", whom it accused of spreading fake news and illegitimate calls, tarnishing -they claim- the legitimate debate generated from the universities.
"As expected, the enemies of the Revolution have distorted the meeting and discussion spaces of university students. Our concerns regarding the decisions announced by ETECSA, as part of the mature exchange and Revolution that has always been encouraged from our institutions, are being addressed as we have legitimately requested."
"The FEU has a legitimate space for expression, enshrined in its history and our Revolution," concluded the statement.
Criticism: distrust, accusations of opportunism, and defense of the people
The post quickly generated heated reactions on social media, mostly critical.
Many users expressed their skepticism regarding the real autonomy of the FEU, its representativeness, and the concrete effects of the dialogue with ETECSA.
"The national FEU, the political arm of the Communist Party, distances itself from the protest calls and claims they are 'fake news' and manipulation. We were never deceived; these satellite organizations do not respond to or represent students... we must keep going," wrote activist Jorge Mag Castro on X.
Meanwhile, in the comments section of the FEU's post on Facebook, dozens of internet users expressed their outrage at the FEU's reversal and invoked the spirit of historical figures from the organization, such as Mella or Julio Antonio Echeverría.
“The voice of the university students must represent the entire country. Just like Mella, José Antonio, and many others did. Do not let down your people!”, urged an internet user.
"The national FEU are 'political cadres'. They will protect their privileges by any means. I hope the student body takes note," noted a disappointed commentator.
“I do not agree with receiving scraps; I don't want it to be given to me, I want to buy it as I have for years; but I will not agree to scraps and much less to having to be grateful for it,” asserted another.
Some users recalled that the problem is not exclusive to the student sector, and criticized the preference for dialogue with a fraction of the population while the rest of the country faces blackouts, inflation, and limited access to basic services.
"This is not just about students. What will happen to doctors, engineers, and workers? Access to the internet is a necessity, not a luxury"; "They shouldn't only think about FEU students, they must consider the entire country that is harmed," were other options.
"Don't trust any of these phony organizations," someone declared bitterly.
Accusations of mockery and institutional discredit
Many comments directly accused the FEU of acting as a political arm of the UJC and lacking true student autonomy.
In this regard, the statement was seen as a maneuver to diffuse public pressure and disband more genuine student protests that have emerged in various faculties.
"Have they resolved anything? They are a decadent and shameful organization for Cuban youth"; "The leadership of the FEU does not represent the students at all. They are puppets"; "How quickly they gave in for a few crumbs," were other opinions.
“All of this is a poorly orchestrated theater, and we all know to whom the FEU answers," declared an outraged netizen.
Broader demands and conclusions from the debate
Although a minority supported institutional dialogue, the predominant demand was for real representation, transparency in decision-making, and comprehensive solutions for the entire Cuban society.
"That solutions for retirees and pensioners should also be considered. They can't pay more for data with 1700 pesos"; "The solution must be the same for all the people"; "It's fine to have dialogue, but with autonomy and representing the people, not the leadership," were other points of view.
The statement from the FEU has rekindled distrust towards Cuban student organizations, which many accuse of being extensions of political power rather than genuine representatives of the student body.
Far from calming tensions, the statement has sparked a broad and profound debate that reveals frustration, critical awareness, and the need for real change in Cuba.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, for his part, following his criticized reaction to the measure, announced on X that the issue of the new ETECSA rates will be discussed in his podcast "Desde la presidencia."
Meanwhile, the executive president of the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, has announced a new appearance on the Round Table scheduled for this Monday, in order to address the recent measures taken by the company.
The decision to limit the balance in national currency to prioritize the use of foreign exchange has sparked numerous criticisms on social media and a negative sentiment across the country, which has already compelled ETECSA's management to appear on national television on Saturday.
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