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The researcher, theater critic, and playwright Esther Suárez Durán raised her voice in defense of the university students who recently complained about ETECSA for deepening social inequalities on the island.
In a post shared on social media, Suárez openly backed the youth's criticisms and held the government accountable for using the state-owned company to isolate citizens and perpetuate the exploitation of the people.
“The decision has not been made by a company (ETECSA), it is a governmental decision… to continue exploiting our people”, the intellectual denounced.
Cuban university students have rebelled against the new tariff measures from ETECSA, announced on May 30, exposing themselves to pressures and blackmail from State Security and university authorities, as well as some professors. In their demands, they have accused the state-owned company of "legitimizing social inequality," while they are forced to endure under precarious conditions.
"It's Cuba's time", wrote Suárez at the end of an extensive statement in which he denounces that ETECSA's measure is not a business decision, but a political one, motivated by two reasons: to further isolate citizens and to continue exploiting the Cuban people.
“Making us beggars is the best way to make us slaves”, warns the radio and television screenwriter in a direct critique of the dependent economic model that the government promotes, where control over resources limits freedoms.
Suárez recalled the historical role of the Federación Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU) and other youth movements that, in the past, managed to change the course of history in Cuba. “Whenever a sector united in its social and/or political struggle, the rest of society became formidable for the government in power”, he points out.
With a straightforward and uncompromising tone, the intellectual called on parents, friends, neighbors, and social organizations to support the student movement. “We have plenty of economists and social scientists who are reputable and well-defined in their proposals,” she said, emphasizing the existence of a legitimate civil society that has historically been overlooked by the State.
He also referred to the Cuban Filmmakers Assembly, led by the renowned director Fernando Pérez and of which he is a member, as an example of this civic awakening.
“Out with fear. Out with the parasites”, he concluded, reaffirming his commitment to a Cuba that includes everyone and where the collective good prevails: “a Homeland with all and for the good of all”.
Amid the rising social tension, Suárez Durán's gesture joins those of other citizens who, from various fronts, are breaking the silence to defend the right to protest, free expression, and the future of young Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ETECSA Conflict and Cuban Students
Why are university students in Cuba protesting against ETECSA?
University students are protesting against ETECSA due to the increase in internet fees, which they consider an "unjustifiable hike." The new rates limit top-ups in national currency and require payment in dollars, making it more difficult to access the internet for studying, working, and communicating. This situation has led to an academic strike and widespread social rejection, as it is seen as an exacerbation of social inequalities on the island.
What is the stance of the intellectual Esther Suárez Durán on this situation?
Esther Suárez Durán has expressed her support for students and criticized the Cuban government, stating that ETECSA's measures are not business decisions, but political ones aimed at isolating citizens and perpetuating the exploitation of the people. Suárez has called on civil society to support students in their fight for fair access to telecommunications.
What actions have university students taken in response to ETECSA's tariff increase?
University students have organized an academic strike as a peaceful form of protest against the new ETECSA fees. Furthermore, they have issued statements demanding the repeal of the measures and the resignation of the president of the University Student Federation (FEU), Ricardo Rodríguez González, who is accused of not representing the interests of the student body. The protests have garnered support from various faculties and academic personalities, both within and outside of Cuba.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the student protests?
The Cuban government has maintained an inflexible stance towards the student protests, reaffirming the necessity of ETECSA's tariff measures and accusing the students of being manipulated by enemies of the Revolution. President Miguel Díaz-Canel has stated that there will be no going back on the tariff increase, arguing that it is necessary to prevent a technological collapse. This response has been perceived as a criminalization of dissent and has generated greater discontent among students.
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