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The statements made by Lis Cuesta Peraza, wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, regarding the alleged ability of Cuban women to “resist and advance” sparked a wave of reactions on social media, particularly on Facebook, where over 1,600 users responded with sarcasm, indignation, and profound frustration.
Cuesta, who attempted to send a message of women's empowerment, ended up becoming the target of criticism for what many consider a complete disconnection from the reality of the country. "Ma'am, pack your bags and take the first flight, as the end of the story is approaching for you.", wrote a user in the comments on the note published by CiberCuba.
Another comment, more direct, compared her to the French queen Marie Antoinette, accused of indifference to the suffering of her people: “There are times when this lady reminds me of Marie Antoinette: ‘If they have no bread, let them eat cake.’ Some people need a month of vacation in a plot of land in Centro Habana to see if they come back down to reality,” declared an internet user.
Historical comparisons were repeated. Several people wished that Cuesta's fate would be similar to that of the French queen, pointing out that "living in a bubble" does not grant her the moral authority to speak on behalf of the people.
“She needs to spend a few days here in Centro Habana, watching elderly people picking up dirty cans and all filthy, and an overcrowded area full of hungry children… That would give her more arguments”, commented another user, visibly upset.
Many criticisms have arisen regarding the contrast between the luxury displayed by the Cuban First Lady and the daily struggles of working mothers on the island.
“Any Cuban woman and mother with young children and elderly at home would endure if she lived like you. With electricity all the time, food of all kinds, and traveling the world... in that way, yes, they endure,” said a mother.
The criticisms also touched on personal aspects of Cuesta, from her appearance to her clothing: “The other day she wore a blue dress and blue shoes as well. Anyone with a pair of blue shoes likely has them in every color. Cuban women, if anything, have only one pair and must make do with that.”
A user pointed out sarcastically: “Mrs. Lis, I dare say that in the wonderful way you do it, anyone can endure and move forward. Of course, with a full fridge, a Gucci bag, and traveling the world attached to your dictator”.
The overall tone of the messages was one of indignation and frustration. Some expressed sadness, while others expressed anger. "My mother, at 93 years old, without electricity, without gas, with a pension of less than 3,000 pesos... I'd better not comment further, because what I feel is shame.", related a follower of the CiberCuba page.
There were also sarcastic invitations: “I invite you to spend a week at my house, doing the chores my mom does. Behind the bag of milk for breakfast, dealing with power outages from 10 to 3 and other days from 3 to 7. After you experience that, then talk about Cuban women.”
Cubans, who face shortages, blackouts, inflation, and a collapsing healthcare system on a daily basis, made it clear that they do not feel represented by a public figure who, in the words of many, "lives like a millionaire" while the people struggle to survive.
Far from strengthening her image, Lis Cuesta's words ignited a new wave of social discontent. In a country where resistance is not a slogan but a necessity, the message from the "not first lady" was perceived as an insult rather than an acknowledgment.
Selection of comments
"I invite you to be my mom for a week: to work magic in the kitchen, take care of an elderly person, calm the little dog, run after the milk, deal with power outages… After that, talk about Cuban women."
"How she lives, anyone can endure and move forward. These people have to stop."
"Too much cynicism and hypocrisy. Personal fulfillment is very difficult for anyone under the current situation in Cuba."
"That lady craves attention."
"You’re right, resisting suits us wonderfully. I wish everyone could experience it… but well, some only know how to recommend it from the comfort of their own situation."
"She will think she can speak for all the Cuban mothers who have nothing to feed their children. What a shame for a first lady."
"Here, the only one making progress is Her Majesty, who doesn't step off a plane and dresses in exclusivities. She doesn't suffocate from coal smoke nor does she tire from blackouts. This is how one can resist."
"She has changed a lot; she must have endured so much that’s why her transformation has progressed so much... Another one mocking the people."
"Let him put himself in the shoes of one of us, those of us who work for a salary that isn't even enough to feed our children."
"Let them live on 3,500 pesos, without transportation, without milk, with a sick child and power outages of 12 hours... and then tell me if it is possible to endure."
"How dare you speak on behalf of Cuban mothers if you have never had to put a child to bed without milk or bread."
"It should be a shame to flaunt a watch worth thousands of dollars while today's Marianas can't even afford to buy a painkiller."
"She is so disconnected that she seems like a fictional character, surrounded by luxury, while the Cuban woman works magic to survive."
"Any Cuban woman would resist just like you if she had a security detail, a car, air conditioning, and a closet full of imports."
"He has no idea what 'resisting' really means. Let him wait in line for chicken, cook with firewood, and wash by hand. Then we'll talk."
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