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Many had to read more than twice and ensure that the words of Lis Cuesta did not come from a fake or parody account, due to the vulgarity of her reflections.
The wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, who holds no official position in the government but is a regular presence on presidential tours, posted a message on X that surprised many, both for its defiant tone and for the lack of sobriety expected from someone accompanying a leader.
“Suffer, ridiculous imperialists!”, Cuesta wrote from Vietnam, where he is attending official events for the independence of the Asian country alongside Díaz-Canel. In the same message, he praised the “victory of socialism, dignity, and courage,” accompanied by photos with Vietnamese military personnel and communist leaders.
In another tweet, he changed his approach and adopted an almost poetic tone while praising Vietnam as "a people like ours: resilient, resourceful, brave, and dignified." This contrast was noted by many users as evidence of Cuesta's improvisation and uniquely personal style on social media.
The "not first lady" and the cost of the trip
The publications come as Cuba faces one of its worst structural crises in decades, marked by blackouts, shortages, and a growing migration exodus. However, Lis Cuesta is enjoying the official tour that will also take her to China and Laos, alongside a delegation led by Díaz-Canel.
The couple is traveling on a chartered flight with the Spanish airline Plus Ultra, the same Airbus A330-200 that the ruler has used on previous trips, with a rental cost of around 11,000 dollars per flight hour. According to independent press reports, the journey to Hanoi exceeded 11 hours in duration.
Despite not holding any official position, Cuesta accompanies her husband on all his international tours, where she is seen at official events, meetings, and cultural activities. In Vietnam, she was photographed at water puppet shows and during visits to the Ngọc Sơn Temple, alongside the wife of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of that country.
"Cuba and Vietnam, two beats of one heart," he wrote in another post. But for those living through the crisis on the island, those words sound increasingly distant from everyday reality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lis Cuesta and Her Controversial Public Activity
What was the controversial message that Lis Cuesta posted from Vietnam?
Lis Cuesta posted a message on X that said "Suffer, ridiculous imperialists!", celebrating the victory of socialism from Vietnam, where she was attending the official events for the independence of the Asian country alongside Miguel Díaz-Canel.
What criticisms has Lis Cuesta received for her presence on international tours?
Lis Cuesta has been criticized for accompanying her husband on international tours without holding an official position, while Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis. The cost of the rented plane for her trip to Vietnam was about 11,000 dollars per hour, which has generated outrage given the scarcity situation on the island.
How has Lis Cuesta reacted to the sanctions imposed by the United States?
Lis Cuesta reacted sarcastically to the U.S. sanctions, stating in a tweet that Díaz-Canel had already been in New York, thereby downplaying the severity of the sanctions and demonstrating a disconnect from the suffering of the Cuban people.
What is the public perception of Lis Cuesta regarding her role as "not the first lady"?
Lis Cuesta is seen by many as a controversial figure disconnected from the Cuban reality. Her presence at international events and her comments on social media have been the subject of criticism, as they contrast with the harsh situation faced by the population on the island.
What impact has Lis Cuesta's activity on social media had?
The activity of Lis Cuesta on social media has generated a mix of reactions, ranging from outrage to mockery, particularly due to her messages which are perceived as insensitive to the crisis in Cuba. Her posts are often seen as a reflection of the ruling elite's disconnection from the everyday problems faced by Cubans.
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