The Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, took a tour of the municipality of Niquero, in the province of Granma, escorted by a caravan of at least seven vehicles.
A video shared by the user Francisco Javier Vega Bazán shows the arrival of the president at the community of Belic, where he was welcomed by a group of locals. In the broadcast, an excessive security presence is evident, contrasting with the official narrative that insists on the popularity of the leader.
The official communicator Ampp Niquero reported that Díaz-Canel engaged with local residents on topics such as the efficiency of productive hubs, community satisfaction, and new perspectives for the country. These meetings are typically well-planned to avoid expressions of discontent and limit the participation of critical voices.
Despite the government narrative that presents these visits as a show of closeness to the people, the images from the event reflect a different reality. The leader of the country travels surrounded by a formidable security team and in convoys of official vehicles, which is far removed from the austerity preached by the government and the deteriorating transportation system faced by the Cuban population.
The deployment of resources for this type of visit generates recurring criticism in a country where citizens are grappling with a deep economic crisis, food shortages, and basic services in a precarious state.
While Díaz-Canel travels in comfort, millions of Cubans face long hours of waiting to board a bus or find fuel for their vehicles.
The constant visits of the leader to different provinces of the country have been perceived by many as attempts to strengthen the image of leadership amid a context of growing public discontent.
Recent visits by Díaz-Canel to the eastern region
Miguel Díaz-Canel has made multiple visits to the central and eastern regions of Cuba in recent months, some even by plane. These trips are organized in response to critical events and at other times as part of his political propaganda strategy.
In the midst of the transportation crisis, this week thousands of people were mobilized in Guantánamo to attend the Plaza de la Revolución Mariana Grajales Coello, to express their rejection of the policies of the United States towards Cuba.
Last week, the government announced new restrictions on the sale of special gasoline, limiting its purchase solely to payments in US dollars (USD). There is no fuel available for individuals, but it is prioritized for political propaganda activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz-Canel's Tour in Eastern Cuba
What was Díaz-Canel's journey like in eastern Cuba?
The Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, toured the municipality of Niquero in the province of Granma, accompanied by a caravan of at least seven vehicles. This display contrasts with the official rhetoric on austerity and closeness to the people that the government promotes.
What is the main criticism of the security deployment during Díaz-Canel's visits?
The main criticism is that the security deployment is disproportionate. This is seen as a contrast to the government narrative that insists on the popularity of the leader, while the people are facing a severe economic and transportation crisis.
How are Díaz-Canel's visits to Cuban communities organized?
Díaz-Canel's visits are carefully organized to avoid expressions of discontent and limit the participation of critical voices. These visits aim to project an image of closeness to the people, although they are often regarded as acts of political propaganda.
What impact does the transportation crisis have on Díaz-Canel's visits?
The transportation crisis highlights the contrast between the comforts enjoyed by Díaz-Canel during his visits and the struggles faced by the Cuban people. While the president travels in official caravans, citizens deal with long waits for transportation or fuel.
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