While millions of Cubans face daily power outages, food shortages, a transportation collapse, and an increasingly deepening economic crisis, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife, Lis Cuesta, once again starred in a controversial scene upon arriving in Honduras this Tuesday on a private jet to attend the IX Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
The news was confirmed by the official account of the Presidency of Cuba on X (formerly Twitter), which reported that the presidential couple was received in Tegucigalpa by Manuel Zelaya Rosales, the general coordinator of the Libre Party, and the husband of Honduran President Xiomara Castro.
The text states that the Cuban delegation also includes the chancellor Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and the ambassador Juan Roberto Loforte.
It appears that the aircraft in which Díaz-Canel arrived in Tegucigalpa is the YV659T, which typically flies between domestic destinations in Cuba without accounting for who it is transporting or who funds it.
The use of a private aircraft once again places Díaz-Canel and his wife at the center of controversy, not only due to the extremely fragile situation the island is facing but also because of the history of costly trips that the president has undertaken.
Among many, in 2019, the couple traveled to Mexico on a luxury private jet, featuring leather interiors and executive amenities, generating criticism for the spending amidst the economic crisis. In 2022, they did the same to reach Granada during a tour in the Caribbean.
During that same trip to Granada, Lis Cuesta was seen on a shopping day in the commercial streets of the Caribbean island, in images that sparked significant controversy and were interpreted as a display of disdain for the suffering of millions of Cubans.
But the practice is not limited to international tours. In November 2023, Díaz-Canel flew by private jet from Havana to Santa Clara, a distance that is usually covered by car in just a few hours, to attend a political visit.
Most recently, in April 2024, he did it again, while over 250 Cubans waited, stranded and desperate in Haiti, amidst a wave of violence and in the absence of immigration responses from the regime.
These episodes consolidate an image of privilege and disconnection from Cuban reality, in which the leader and his immediate surroundings seem to operate under parallel rules, shielded by power, and oblivious to everyday suffering.
While the Cuban delegation mingles with presidents from the region in hotels and diplomatic lounges, the island continues to face power outages, rampant inflation, a shortage of medications, and mass migration.
On the other hand, the figure of Lis Cuesta, once again present on an official tour without holding a public office, further reinforces public discontent, especially at a time when she recently denied being the first lady of Cuba, stating in an interview that “it is not only a bourgeois structure, you see, it is a patriarchal structure and I am very feminist and therefore I am completely against that."
His words stand in stark contrast to his visible role in multiple diplomatic events, his prominence in official media, and his systematic inclusion in presidential delegations.
Frequently asked questions about Díaz-Canel's trip to Honduras and the situation in Cuba
Why has Díaz-Canel's trip to Honduras generated controversy?
Díaz-Canel's trip to Honduras on a private jet has sparked controversy because it occurs in the context of an economic and social crisis in Cuba, where citizens are facing power outages, food shortages, and widespread difficulties. This type of high-cost travel contrasts sharply with the reality experienced by most Cubans, leading to criticism regarding the use of resources and the government's disconnection from the needs of the people.
What is the current situation in Cuba in terms of economic and social crisis?
Cuba faces a deep economic crisis characterized by frequent blackouts, food shortages, transportation collapse, and high inflation. This situation has led to widespread despair, with many Cubans attempting to emigrate in search of better living conditions. The regime's management and its focus on priorities unrelated to the basic needs of the people have been criticized both internally and externally.
How has Díaz-Canel's use of private jets affected his public image?
The use of private jets by Díaz-Canel has negatively impacted his public image, as it is seen as a symbol of privilege and disconnection from the Cuban reality. While the leader and his circle enjoy comforts, the Cuban people are struggling with a severe economic crisis, which heightens discontent and criticism towards his government.
Who is Lis Cuesta and what is her role in official travels?
Lis Cuesta is the wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel and although she does not officially hold a public office, she frequently accompanies the president on international tours. Her presence on these trips has been criticized as it is seen as a display of privilege at a time when the Cuban people are facing serious economic and social challenges.
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