Gabriela Fernández Álvarez's visit to Spain, sponsored by the State Movement of Solidarity with Cuba, has generated tensions between the Cuban exile community and supporters of the Havana regime.
Fernández, one of the most prominent figures of the official media apparatus and host of the television program Con Filo, was confronted this Tuesday by Cuban activists in the city of Málaga, one of the stops on the tour of Spain that will run until May 21.
The incident occurred at the headquarters of the Communist Union Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), where a group of Cuban exiles protested against the presence of Fernández, whom they accuse of being the spokesperson for the state's propaganda of the Cuban regime.
The activist Avana de la Torre reported on Facebook that during the protest there were "attacks, shoving our people, and three elderly women surrounding Gabriela."
According to their publication, the official spokesperson remained silent, shielded by supporters and not responding to the questions.
"That's how he was received today in Málaga," wrote De la Torre, who also shared a video showing several individuals defending Fernández against those who came to protest.
"She remains silent, protected and without showing her face, while three ghosts threaten and push, as always, those who have stepped forward," the activist added, referring to the intimidating attitude of the regime's supporters.
Gabriela Fernández's tour of several Spanish cities is part of a strategy by the Cuban government to strengthen its ties with leftist groups in Europe and promote its narrative abroad.
However, the increasing rejection from the Cuban community in exile has turned these acts into hotspots of political and social tension.
"Keep the tour going!" the activist concluded ironically, referring to upcoming events where a growing mobilization of Cubans demanding a free and democratic Cuba is expected.
In Madrid, Fernández was involved in a provocative incident when she responded with kisses and mockery to a group of Cuban exiles who were peacefully protesting against him.
The incident occurred outside the headquarters of the Hispano-Cuban Friendship Association "Bartolomé de las Casas," where Fernández gave a talk as part of his propaganda tour through 15 Spanish cities, titled "Cuban Youth in the Time of Trump."
Although the demonstration was completely peaceful, the event was guarded by the Spanish police and by communist supporters, who protected the regime official during her presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tensions between Cuban Exiles and Regime Supporters in Spain
Why is Gabriela Fernández Álvarez a controversial figure among Cuban exiles?
Gabriela Fernández Álvarez is seen as a spokesperson for the state propaganda of the Cuban regime due to her role as presenter of the program "Con Filo," which defends the official discourse of the Cuban government. Her tour in Spain has generated tensions with the Cuban exile community, who accuse her of promoting a narrative that justifies repression and the lack of freedoms in Cuba.
What was the reason for the protests against Gabriela Fernández in Spain?
Cuban exiles protested against Gabriela Fernández due to her role as an advocate for the Cuban regime and her tour of Spain, which they view as an attempt to whitewash the image of the Cuban government abroad. These protests aim to denounce repression and demand a free and democratic Cuba.
How has Gabriela Fernández reacted to the protests during her tour?
During her tour, Gabriela Fernández has been confronted by protesters, but she has responded defiantly, blowing kisses and mocking the peaceful Cuban exiles who were demonstrating. Fernández has defended her work and asserted that criticisms of her program are baseless and have not been supported by evidence.
What impact has Gabriela Fernández's tour had on European public opinion?
The tour of Gabriela Fernández has sparked controversy in Europe, especially among the Cuban exile community who view it as a propaganda campaign to improve the image of the Cuban regime. Despite the support from local communist groups, her presence has been met with protests that highlight human rights violations in Cuba.
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