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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 over a million Cubans participated in the so-called "march of the combatant people" that took place on December 20th.
"How could we not feel proud to be Cuban! Do you want to talk about democracy? Tell me something about this march of over a million people. Forced? Don’t make me laugh!" wrote the Cuban official on the social media platform X.
Her post received criticism from many Cubans who expressed their opinions in the comments about the inflated number that the Cuban state authorities provided regarding assistance to 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 left us with 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 participate in a march that didn't have a million attendees."
"Democracy: if you were absent, you were penalized at work with several days of pay deducted, and as a student, you received a disciplinary record. Quite democratic," noted a user.
According to an analysis published by CiberCuba, the circulated images and attendance monitoring suggest that the actual number might be considerably lower, around half a million people, which is half of the officially stated figure. This report emphasizes that the Cuban government tends to inflate participation numbers to project an image of massive popular support.
Additionally, it has been reported that many of the attendees were coerced into participating through their workplaces or educational institutions, a common tactic in events of this nature.
Images circulated revealed how some workers were transported in trucks used for other purposes to the location of the march, highlighting the precarious conditions under which a significant number of attendees were moved.
Contradictions have also been noted in the official statements and the government's narrative, describing the event as part of a propaganda strategy to divert attention from the economic and social issues facing the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "March of the Fighting 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 might be around half a million, with some critical reports estimating participation at just 14,071 people.
Why is the organization of the "March of the Fighting People" criticized?
Criticism of the march focuses on the perception that it is a propagandistic act aimed at diverting attention from the real issues facing Cuba, such as the economic crisis and power outages. Furthermore, there have been concerns about the inefficient use of state resources in its organization and the pressure 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 #IWillNotMarch.
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 manipulation of data by the regime 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 intensified discontent towards the marches organized by the government, as many citizens see these events as a distraction from urgent issues such as food shortages and power outages, which severely impact their quality of life.
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