Miguel Díaz-Canel Villanueva, son of the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, was part of the official delegation that traveled to Venezuela to participate in the celebrations for the anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth, in an event led by Nicolás Maduro, according to images broadcast by Telesur.
In the recording, the young musician is seen sitting next to the Venezuelan president, surrounded by other Cuban officials, and was introduced solely as "Miguel Díaz-Canel hijo."
The young man's presence at a political event has sparked criticism on social media, where questions arise about whether he attended as a musician or an official representative, as well as the use of state funds to cover his travel expenses amid the economic crisis facing the Island.
Journalist José Raúl Gallego questioned the role of the ruler's son, emphasizing that public funds are allocated to “the trips of the kids and the designer bags of Machi” instead of being used for medicine, fuel, and food for the population.
"Remember this for the next time they bring the son of Canel and his group to your province to 'perform'," he commented ironically on his X profile.
Díaz-Canel Villanueva, leader of the musical group D’Cuba and a member of the Asociación Hermanos Saíz, has organized tours and meetings with young artists in various Cuban provinces; however, he does not currently hold any position that connects him to the island's politics.
In August 2023, during a visit to Camagüey, he urged to “work” to “save the art” and “put it to the service of the country's growth,” statements that contrast with reports of censorship and repression against independent creators in Cuba.
The visit to Venezuela is part of a close political alliance between Havana and Caracas. Nicolás Maduro took advantage of the commemoration of Fidel Castro's birthday, who would have turned 99 on Wednesday, to reaffirm the alliance between his government and the Cuban dictatorship.
According to the Venezuelan leader, both countries must be "more united than ever" in the fight against what he referred to as the "supremacists of the gringo empire."
The participation in that event of a direct relative of the Cuban leader in an official activity has been interpreted by critics as a new episode of nepotism and privilege within the Cuban elite.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz-Canel's Son's Participation in Event with Maduro
What was the reason for Díaz-Canel's son's trip to Venezuela?
Miguel Díaz-Canel Villanueva traveled to Venezuela as part of an official delegation for the celebrations of Fidel Castro's birthday anniversary, at an event led by Nicolás Maduro. The presence of a direct relative of the president at an official activity has been interpreted by critics as nepotism and an improper use of state funds amid Cuba's economic crisis.
What criticisms has Díaz-Canel Villanueva's participation in the event generated?
Díaz-Canel Villanueva's participation has generated criticism on social media, where questions arise about whether he attended as a musician or as an official representative. Additionally, the use of public funds for his trip is criticized in the context of shortages of essential resources in Cuba, which has been perceived as an example of the privileges of the ruling elite.
What role does Miguel Díaz-Canel Villanueva play in Cuban politics?
Miguel Díaz-Canel Villanueva does not hold any political position in Cuba. He is the leader of the musical group D’Cuba and a member of the Asociación Hermanos Saíz, where he has conducted tours and meetings with young artists. However, his participation in a political event in Venezuela has raised questions about the political role he may be playing.
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