The Cuban government has implemented a new propaganda strategy called "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates," promoted by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR).
The objective of this initiative is to shift the responsibility for the economic and social crisis that the country is facing, blaming the sanctions imposed by the United States, particularly those of the Donald Trump administration.
Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, national coordinator of the CDR, announced the start of these debates in Hatibonico, a municipality in Caimanera, in the province of Guantánamo.
The event was attended by the First Secretary of the Communist Party in the province, Yoel A. Pérez Bravo. Nordelo stated that these meetings aim to promote "dialogue with the people." They also seek to strengthen the government's narrative regarding the effects of the U.S. embargo.
In the Santa Rosa community in Guantánamo, one of these discussions was held titled "Sports in the Neighborhood," which concluded with a recreational sports festival.
Similarly, members of the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Las Tunas participated in another of these meetings, using hashtags like #EndTheBlockade and #CubaWillPrevail to promote the event on social media.
Cuban television announced the schedule for these meetings, highlighting the presence of Aranelys Barban Rodríguez, a member of the National Secretariat of the CDR, who confirmed that the debates will officially begin on February 18.
"It is the way our organization uses to convey information to the cederistas, in order to counteract the poison that is spread through other channels of misinformation," expressed Barban Rodríguez.
The government's plan includes holding 1,401 debates nationwide by July. During these gatherings, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) and other specialists will convey the official message to Cuban families.
Island authorities say that these meetings are necessary in light of a potential intensification of U.S. policy toward Cuba. However, the reality is that the CDR have lost much of their influence in Cuban society, and participation in such events is increasingly low.
In an attempt to encourage attendance, Barban Rodríguez called on the cederistas to a "casino dance" event on February 22 at La Piragua, a strategy that highlights the regime's desperation to keep alive an organization that has fallen into irrelevance.
While the government promotes these debates, the country is facing an unprecedented economic decline. The shortage of food and basic goods is worsening, blackouts are frequent and workers' wages do not suffice to meet their needs.
Moreover, the dollarization of the economy continues to advance, while stores in Cuban pesos are disappearing, deepening the crisis. In this context, the "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates" seem to be a desperate attempt to divert attention from the real problems facing Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Anti-Imperialist Neighborhood Debates" in Cuba
What are the "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates" in Cuba?
The "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates" are a propaganda strategy of the Cuban government promoted by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). These debates aim to shift the responsibility for the economic and social crisis in Cuba onto the U.S. embargo, particularly blaming the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.
What is the objective of the "anti-imperialist neighborhood debates"?
The objective of these debates is to promote "dialogue with the people" and strengthen the government's narrative regarding the effects of the U.S. embargo, attempting to divert attention from the internal problems of the country and blame the United States for the crisis that Cuba is facing.
Why have the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) lost influence in Cuba?
The CDR have lost influence due to the lack of active participation from young people and the growing disinterest of the population in the regime's activities. The organization, seen as an instrument of social control and repression, no longer has the popular support it once enjoyed.
How does the economic crisis affect the Cuban population?
The economic crisis in Cuba has led to a shortage of food and basic products, constant blackouts, and insufficient wages to meet the needs of workers. This economic deterioration has deepened the despair and discontent among citizens.
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