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The statements made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in which he urged the United States to “let Cubans live their lives,” have sparked a wave of outrage among citizens both inside and outside the island.
For many users on social media, Lula's words not only ignore the reality faced by the Cuban people but also offend the memory of those who have endured decades of scarcity, repression, and misery.
“Which life?”, asks dozens of voices that have reacted to Lula's speech with frustration and discontent. In his address, the Brazilian leader held the U.S. embargo responsible for the shortages in Cuba and called for respect for a government that, according to him, has been a victim of unjust sanctions.
However, hundreds of Cubans made it clear that their discontent is not directed at Washington, but rather at those who have governed them for over six decades.
"Those whom Lula wants to have their lives respected are the same ones who have stolen ours," stated a reader. "They live in mansions, with air conditioning and guaranteed food. The people survive without milk, without medicine, without electricity, and eating from the trash."
Another person expressed: "Please tell Lula that what we Cubans do not have is life. Life is being lived by those who lead us. I have been waiting for a better day for 62 years."
A common narrative: The people do not live, they survive
"This that we have is not life," "we are dying while living," or "living without dignity is not living" are some of the most repeated phrases in the comments on the initial post with the statements of the Brazilian leader.
Many pointed out that if Lula wants to talk about rights, he should start by demanding that his "friends" in Havana allow Cubans to decide their own future. "He should ask Díaz-Canel and Raúl Castro to let the people live," wrote several users.
There were also those who described the Brazilian president's words as a complicit defense of the Cuban regime. "You are defending those who have condemned an entire people to misery," stated a user.
"What Cuba needs is not for sanctions to be lifted, but for repression to be ended," argued another person.
Some comments pointed out that Latin American leaders like Lula, who visit Cuba on official trips, only see the facade that is shown to them. "If he had walked through Centro Habana, if he had spoken with a mother who cannot feed her children, he wouldn't dare to talk about life."
Meanwhile, the demand of the Cuban people remains the same: a dignified life, with freedom, rights, and the possibility of building a future free from the control of an elite entrenched in power.
"The dictatorship is the one that must allow us to live. We don't need distant speeches; we need actions that restore our hope."
Frequently asked questions about Lula da Silva's statements and the situation in Cuba
Why have Lula da Silva's statements about Cuba sparked outrage?
The statements made by Brazilian President Lula da Silva have sparked outrage because many Cubans believe they overlook the reality experienced on the island. Citizens have endured decades of scarcity, repression, and misery, and feel that the issue does not stem from the U.S. embargo, but from the Cuban government.
What is the perception of Cubans regarding the U.S. embargo on Cuba?
Although the U.S. embargo has been pointed out as a cause of the difficulties in Cuba, many Cubans believe that their problems are a direct consequence of the regime that has governed them for more than six decades. They assert that lifting sanctions will not alleviate the shortages as long as repression continues.
What have Cubans expressed about their current quality of life?
Cubans have expressed that what they have is not life, but mere survival. They are facing a reality of food shortages, lack of medicine, blackouts, and undignified living conditions, while the leaders live in privilege. This discrepancy has heightened discontent and frustration among the population.
How have Cubans reacted to the defense of the regime by foreign leaders?
Cubans have reacted with criticism and rejection to the statements made by foreign leaders who defend the Cuban regime. They believe these defenses ignore the repression and human rights violations that they endure on a daily basis.
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