The ruler Miguel Díaz‑Canel sparked a wave of reactions on Facebook when he claimed that "Cuba is not a dictatorship and is more democratic than the United States."
The publication of CiberCuba, which included these statements and a video of the interview, generated more than 4,500 responses from Cubans both on and off the Island in less than 24 hours, reflecting a critical, indignant, and even mocking consensus.
The most shared comment stated: “To say that the U.S. is a dictatorship while you oppress, censor, and imprison for expressing an opinion… is to have the thickest skin” — directly condemning what many perceive as a blatant manipulation.
Another replied sarcastically: "How outrageous... in Cuba, you can't think differently because it could cost you years in prison."
Several people referred to the dangerous makeshift boats used for escape, asking how there can be democracy when people risk their lives to leave. "So, why do Cubans risk their lives... to escape?" questioned a user, summarizing the argument that the mass exodus is ample proof of repression.
The words of Díaz-Canel were repeatedly described as "lies" and "cynicism." "Lying is his greatest skill. In Cuba, there is a textbook dictatorship.", wrote a commentator.
Another stated: “A dictatorship is when the people did not choose you. You do not allow people to express everything they feel…”, denouncing the authoritarian nature of the regime. Several summarized: “Cuba has been a dictatorship since 1959, come on… a system of terror”.
A recurring complaint was the absence of competitive, multiparty elections. "Why don't they hold free multiparty elections, so that the people can truly choose their president?", asked an internet user.
“Well, hold elections and prove otherwise”, challenged another. For many, the absence of alternation and the president's "appointment" refuted any claims of democracy: “It’s regrettable to have an appointed position”.
The issue of repression was also central: "Release all innocent prisoners for merely asking for what we all desire. Freedom for Cuba." Likewise: "And what about the political prisoners? Freedom of the press? Then release the political prisoners... that is dictatorship." The protests of 2021 and recent events were recalled as tangible evidence.
The claim that Cuba is "more democratic than the U.S." provoked backlash and dark humor. "The difference is that Americans don’t leave on makeshift rafts to die at sea,” one user sarcastically commented.
“In a country where no elections are held, they say it is a democracy,” he remarked with skepticism. Another chimed in: “Hahahahaha... it will be more banana republic than democratic.”
Recurrent references to censorship, repression of any public criticism, social pressure, and inequality between elites and the people. "So many innocent people dying and these wretches... they have destroyed families", wrote an internet user.
“Journalists ask for permission to express their opinions, people are imprisoned for protesting… that is not democracy”, pointed out another. “In Cuba, you cannot peacefully protest… that is dictatorship”, emphasized one.
The mocking tone proliferated: "This guy made me laugh so hard... to exalt cynicism"; "So true that there’s free expression... food is rotting everywhere"; "What’s happening in Cuba is a comedy show". The rejection was visceral: "Pinhead...", "Clown", "Cynic" were common labels.
Amidst so much criticism, calls to action emerged: "Go out into the streets with courage and ask the people... without cars or guards"; "Call for free elections supervised by international organizations". There were also messages of religious solidarity and hope: "May God perform a miracle for our beautiful Island".
Most of the reactions pointed to exhaustion: 66 years without real changes is heavy. "No wonder Cuba is like this… 66 years of the same party with no opposition"; "We have a country in ruins, misery, and blackouts…”. Many responded with a mix of fatigue and determination.
In summary, Díaz-Canel's statements triggered almost unanimous disapproval among the comments from CiberCuba: Cubans who described the reality of the country as dictatorial, pointing out the absence of real elections, political repression, material shortages, and the impossibility of protest.
The comparison with the U.S. provoked mockery and sarcasm, and the demand for freedom of expression and the release of political prisoners became a constant. In the face of the cynicism perceived in the official discourse, the majority display indignation, skepticism, and a strong desire for political and social change.
Filed under:
