The renowned Cuban actress Susana Pérez sent a powerful message of support to the university students of the island who have recently taken part in protests against ETECSA's tariff hike. Through a video shared on her social media, the artist directly appealed to the youth, urging them not to be paralyzed by fear or the worn narratives of the Cuban regime.
Guys, this is the moment, there is no other. It doesn’t matter what the spark is, whether it’s the internet, the blackouts, the hunger, the need, the garbage in the streets, or the mosquitoes, it doesn’t matter, the spark can be anything, but it’s in your hands, in your hands, remember that all processes, even this one we are complaining about so much, started at the university with young people like you,” said the actress, recalling that the major processes of change in Cuba have originated in the university.
In her message, Susana Pérez made an explicit call not to expect anything from those who have sustained the failure of the system for decades. “Do not expect the old guards, the people who have dedicated their lives and do not want to acknowledge that they have failed, to do what you can do. This is the moment, don't waste it. Do not let yourselves be intimidated, do not let yourselves be swayed by outdated speeches, speeches that we have been hearing for 66 years; this is the moment, there is no other, and I support you,” she concluded.
Student protests on the rise due to ETECSA's rate hike
Susana Pérez's statements come in a context of growing social unrest in Cuba. University students from various faculties and universities across the country have strongly opposed the increase in mobile data package prices announced by ETECSA, even calling for a teacher strike to assert their demands.
The rise in rates, with prices exceeding even that of a minimum wage, the limits on balance top-ups, and the dollarization of these services that practically force people to depend on top-ups from abroad have been a direct blow to the entire Cuban population, particularly impacting the youth and the most vulnerable sectors.
The regime's response: denial and threats
The reaction of the Cuban regime has been the usual: evasive in the face of legitimate demands, and repression against those who speak out. State media and official spokespersons remain silent, downplay the scale of the protests, or label them as false and instrumented by media campaigns, while maintaining the triumphalist rhetoric of support for the regime.
Meanwhile, reports of threats to students by university officials and also by State Security have increased.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Protests in Cuba Against ETECSA's Rate Hike
Why are Cuban students protesting against ETECSA?
Cuban students are protesting against ETECSA due to the recent increase in telecommunications service fees, known as "tarifazo". This rise has generated significant discontent as it limits internet access and makes services unaffordable for many, especially in a context where the average salary in Cuba is around 20 dollars per month. The protests reflect frustration with a system that perpetuates inequality and social control.
What has Susana Pérez said about the student protests in Cuba?
The Cuban actress Susana Pérez sent a strong message of support to university students in Cuba who are protesting against the ETECSA rate hike. Susana Pérez urged the youth not to be swayed by outdated speeches from the Cuban regime and not to expect anything from those who have upheld the system for decades. She emphasized that this is the moment for change and that the youth have the power to bring about significant transformations.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the protests over ETECSA's rate hike?
The response of the Cuban regime has been evasive and repressive in the face of student protests. The government has chosen to downplay the significance of the protests, labeling them as external media campaigns, and has maintained its triumphalist rhetoric in support of the regime. Furthermore, there have been reports of threats against students by university officials and State Security.
What measures has ETECSA taken in response to the criticism regarding the increase in rates?
ETECSA has justified the tariff hike as a necessity to inject foreign currency into the company due to its high level of debt. In response to the criticisms, ETECSA offered university students two monthly recharges in national currency, but this measure has been deemed insufficient by the students. The company argues that the increase is necessary to maintain service quality, although many see it as an attempt to perpetuate inequality through the dollarization of its services.
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