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The Cuban regime deployed a fleet of buses and military trucks to transport troops to the "march of the fighting people" called by Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The independent portal El Toque shared a video on X showing a dozen buses transporting the participants.
In the midst of the economic crisis the country is facing, where there is no fuel for generating electricity, public transportation, ambulances, garbage collection, or mosquito spraying to control viruses, the government spares no resources for a completely pointless activity.
Minutes before 4:00 PM, when the parade is scheduled to begin, the first images of the military, schools, and workplaces arriving at the Malecón in Havana start to be published.
Official profiles on social media are sharing images of workers from various organizations, attempting to suggest that these individuals are participating willingly.
But these are people who have no choice but to go, workers from ministries who are compelled by their superiors, who traditionally mobilize their staff within their own workplaces, and as a result, they cannot offer any justification for not attending.
The Electric Union announced that its workers would participate in the march, in a post that sparked outrage among dozens of internet users.
"Let's celebrate the blackouts and misery," "Their workers on the march while the people are in the dark," or "Of course they have to be there, front and center, since they have nothing else to do because there's no power," were some of the comments on social media.
Despite the deep socioeconomic crisis facing the Cuban people, the government did not hold back on spending to ensure a minimum level of participation.
An example was the "plenary" meeting held by the Municipal Assembly of People's Power in Centro Habana at a theater, where over a thousand people, including representatives of so-called mass organizations, local government officials, and members of the Communist Party, committed to ensuring the success of the march.
Moreover, the expenditure on diesel for street lighting and transporting protesters from various provinces contrasts sharply with the long hours of blackouts due to the lack of fuel for electricity generation.
The march conceived by Díaz-Canel, an attempt to reaffirm his leadership amidst the worst crisis in Cuba's history, has drawn criticism for the misuse of state resources to fund a political event while the majority of the population struggles to survive.
Frequently asked questions about the "March of the Combatant People" and the situation in Cuba
What is the objective of the "March of the Combatant People" called by the Cuban government?
The aim of the "March of the Combatant People" is to protest against the economic blockade by the United States and Cuba's continued presence on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. However, the march has faced criticism for being perceived as a propaganda event that distracts from the serious economic crisis the country is experiencing.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the march called by Díaz-Canel?
The Cuban population has responded with discontent and rejection towards the march, viewing it as an unnecessary propaganda act amidst a severe economic crisis. This disinterest is evident in social media trends featuring hashtags like #YoNoMarcho, which criticizes the government's disconnection from the real needs of the people.
What criticisms has the Cuban government received for organizing the "March of the Combatant People"?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its ineffective use of resources in organizing the march while the country is facing issues such as blackouts, food shortages, and an economic crisis. Analysts and citizens believe it is a strategy to distract the population from the structural problems affecting many Cubans.
What does Rosa María Payá's response to Díaz-Canel's march symbolize?
Rosa María Payá's response, encapsulated in the message "Leave," symbolizes the frustration and discontent of the Cuban people towards the Díaz-Canel regime. It is a call for the president's resignation as a means of addressing the political and economic crisis the country is facing.
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