The announcement by Lis Cuesta regarding the inclusion of musician Israel Rojas, leader of the band Buena Fe, in a classroom at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA), has sparked a wave of criticism on social media.
The official from the Ministry of Culture and wife of the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel posted on X that Rojas will participate in an academic space on Cultural Industries, describing the meeting as "happy and productive" and asserting that the Management career "will be honored with creators who break down barriers."
However, Cuesta's attempt to present Rojas as a reference for dialogue with Cuban university students and creators has been viewed as a manipulation strategy, rather than a genuine openness.
His proposal comes right after Rojas gave an interview on the YouTube channel La Joven Cuba, where he suggested the possibility of pardons for those imprisoned on July 11 and spoke about national reconciliation, without mentioning repression, censorship, or the regime's violence.
Israel Rojas, so far one of the musicians most aligned with the government, has publicly defended the Cuban government, denied the existence of political prisoners, and discredited citizen protests.
His discourse shift in the recent interview was met with widespread skepticism. For many Cubans, it's not about a genuine transformation, but rather an attempt to reposition himself without breaking away from power.
The reaction from users on social media was strong. “The Cuban people are dying from hunger and misery, and they are talking about happiness and debates at ISA,” criticized one user.
Another wrote: “They should be ashamed of how they are treating the people. They should leave now before they are held accountable for their crimes.”
Other comments expressed outrage at the obvious manipulation: “They are sinking, just watch them” and there were also those who claimed that the proposal from Lis to Israel is nothing more than "a circus".
Instead of strengthening the dialogue between Cuban creators and university students, Lis Cuesta's initiative has been seen as a strategy to recycle a worn-out official figure, using her as a symbolic bridge without allowing for genuine questioning of the system.
Meanwhile, artists who have dared to dissent face exile, censorship, or institutional silence.
The figure of Cuesta, with a strong public presence, reestablishes herself as a key spokesperson for Castroism in the cultural sphere. Her leadership is more focused on propaganda than on critical dialogue about what is happening in the country.
The maneuver with Rojas highlights the intention to shield the official narrative while attempting to maintain control over figures who can still influence critical sectors, especially among university students.
The response of the Cuban people on social media once again made it clear that there is no possible disguise to cover up the debacle in Miguel Díaz-Canel's government, and the communist forces are becoming increasingly weak and fractured, despite their attempts to appear otherwise.
Frequently asked questions about the controversial collaboration of Israel Rojas with Lis Cuesta at the ISA
Why has Israel Rojas's collaboration with Lis Cuesta at the ISA generated controversy?
The collaboration between Israel Rojas, leader of the group Buena Fe, and Lis Cuesta at the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) has been met with skepticism by many Cubans. It is seen as an attempt to manipulate and reposition official figures without a genuine opening. Criticism intensified after Rojas suggested pardons for those jailed during the 11J protests without addressing the regime's repression, which has been interpreted as opportunism rather than a real change.
How has the Cuban public reacted to Israel Rojas' statements about reconciliation?
The Cuban public has reacted with skepticism and indignation to Israel Rojas' statements on national reconciliation. Many believe that his words are an attempt to reposition himself without breaking away from power. Social media has mirrored criticism, as people view his discourse not as a real change, but rather a survival strategy in the current context of the Cuban regime.
What role does Lis Cuesta play in the Cuban cultural sector and why is she controversial?
Lis Cuesta, wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, is an influential figure in the Cuban cultural sphere, despite not holding an official position. She has been criticized for her focus on propaganda rather than honest dialogue, and her role in cultural events is viewed as an extension of the government's strategy to control and manipulate the cultural narrative. Her recent attempt to incorporate Israel Rojas into the ISA is seen as part of this strategy.
What is Israel Rojas's relationship with the Cuban regime and how has it evolved?
Israel Rojas has historically been a defender of the Cuban regime, aligned with the official discourse. He has denied the existence of political prisoners and discredited citizen protests. However, he has recently adopted a more moderate tone, speaking of reconciliation and dialogue, which has been interpreted as an attempt to reposition himself rather than a genuine break with the regime.
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