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The state chain Tiendas Caribe, in the Old Havana section, used its official social media account to publicly congratulate Gabriela Fernández Álvarez, host of the state program Con Filo, on her 25th birthday.
The message, which blends comments about her hair color in a colloquial tone with political references, ends with the phrase: "It is advisable to congratulate her in comments," which sparked criticism for the propagandistic use of institutional accounts.
This episode comes after recent statements by Miguel Díaz-Canel, who acknowledged that the Cuban government arrived late to social media and faces the challenge of improving its digital presence. Nevertheless, actions like this reflect the disconnect between the regime's priorities and the real interests of the Cuban people.
While institutions celebrate the birthdays of official figures, state communication continues to fail to connect with citizens or seriously address the country's crisis.
Frequently asked questions about the use of institutional accounts for propaganda purposes in Cuba
Why did Tiendas Caribe's congratulations to Gabriela Fernández Álvarez generate criticism?
The congratulation sparked criticism because the official account of a state-run channel was used for propaganda purposes, highlighting a disconnect between the priorities of the Cuban regime and the real needs of the people. This use of public resources to promote official figures stands in stark contrast to the economic and social crisis faced by most Cubans.
How does the use of institutional accounts affect the perception of the Cuban government on social media?
The use of institutional accounts for propaganda purposes negatively affects the perception of the Cuban government on social media, as it reinforces the image of a regime disconnected from the needs of the people. Propaganda actions are seen as a mockery of the economic hardships faced by Cubans, which increases discontent and criticism towards the government.
What challenges does the Cuban government face in its digital presence according to Díaz-Canel?
According to Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban government faces the challenge of improving its digital presence due to its late entry into social media. This translates into the need to connect with citizens and seriously address the crisis the country is experiencing, something that is not being achieved with propagandistic actions such as the greeting from Tiendas Caribe.
What does the use of state accounts for personal purposes symbolize in the Cuban context?
The use of state accounts for personal purposes symbolizes the disconnect between the Cuban government and its people. Such actions reflect a prioritization of propaganda over the urgent needs of citizens, which deepens the perception of inequality and lack of empathy from the regime towards the real problems faced by the population.
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