The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel announced his return to Cuba this Tuesday after attending the XVII BRICS Summit in Brazil, and the reaction of many Cubans on social media was immediate.
"We are already in the Homeland", Díaz-Canel wrote succinctly on his official X account, triggering a wave of critical comments, memes, and scathing remarks.
“Couldn't you stay? What a shame,” wrote a user. Another was more direct: “What a disgrace”. Someone else expressed: “No one misses you.” Meanwhile, other messages welcomed the leader with official slogans and hashtags like #CubaVencerá.
Díaz-Canel's trip to Brazil aimed to participate in the BRICS summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), an economic bloc where Cuba seeks to position itself as a partner country, despite not formally belonging to the group. His presence was accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.
During the event, the leader tried to project an image of "South-South cooperation" and defended Cuba's participation in international medical brigades, denouncing that they are “shamefully persecuted by the United States.”
However, the backdrop of his intervention pointed to an urgent need: to garner economic and political support amid one of the deepest crises the country is facing.
In his official speech, Díaz-Canel urged the BRICS to promote a new international order and defended Cuba's role as a "supportive country," despite increasing reports of labor exploitation conditions imposed on professionals in the medical brigades.
Cuba's participation in the summit was perceived by many analysts as a desperate maneuver to obtain funding without committing to political or economic reforms.
The country arrives at these forums with a collapsed economy, lacking productive capacity, and millions of citizens facing shortages, inflation, blackouts, and a record wave of emigration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz-Canel's Return to Cuba and His Participation in the BRICS Summit
Why did Díaz-Canel's return to Cuba generate so much criticism on social media?
The return of Miguel Díaz-Canel to Cuba was met with criticism from many Cubans on social media due to the critical situation the country is experiencing. The population is facing a severe economic crisis, with shortages, inflation, and frequent blackouts, which has led to discontent and frustration over the lack of effective solutions from the government.
What was Díaz-Canel seeking by attending the BRICS Summit?
Díaz-Canel attended the BRICS Summit with the aim of seeking economic and political support amidst the crisis facing Cuba. Although Cuba is not a formal member of the group, Díaz-Canel's presence was a maneuver to secure funding without committing to political or economic reforms. Additionally, he promoted "South-South cooperation" and advocated for Cuban medical brigades.
How does Cuba's economic situation affect its participation in international events such as the BRICS Summit?
Cuba's participation in international events is affected by its precarious economic situation. The country is facing an unprecedented economic crisis, with a paralyzed production system and a crumbling infrastructure, which limits its capacity for investment and trade. This causes its interventions in international forums to be perceived more as desperate attempts to seek assistance than as significant contributions to the global debate.
What is Cuba's strategy regarding medical missions and its relationship with the BRICS?
Cuba uses medical missions as one of its main sources of income, despite international criticism regarding exploitative conditions. During the BRICS Summit, Díaz-Canel defended these missions and accused the United States of unjustly targeting them. The Cuban government's strategy aims to portray these missions as an example of solidarity, but it faces increasing allegations of labor exploitation.
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