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Lis Cuesta Peraza, wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, re-emerged on social media on September 8th with a religious message that has sparked a genuine storm of criticism.
Let's give thanks today to the Virgin of Cobre, Patroness of Cuba, for watching over all of us, her children,” she wrote on her official X account shortly after landing on the island following a tour in Asia with the “dictator of her heart.”
The publication arrived just as the country was experiencing a collapse of the National Electric System, with massive blackouts leaving millions of Cubans without electricity, particularly in the eastern provinces.
On that same day, it was also confirmed that a young worker from the Renté thermoelectric plant in Santiago de Cuba had passed away after suffering severe burns in a workplace accident.
The contrast between the spiritual message of Cuesta Peraza and the dramatic situation experienced by the majority of the population was seen as a provocation.
The note published on Facebook by CiberCuba received over 1,100 comments in less than 24 hours, provoking an authentic avalanche of rejection, questioning, and expressions of frustration, reflecting the deep discontent that their figure generates in broad sectors of society.
"If they are watching over us like this, then please stop.", commented one user. Another was more blunt: "The Virgin protects us, but from you." Among the most shared comments, descriptors such as "hypocritical," "cynical," "brazen," "shameless," and "viper" are repeated.
Dozens of people remembered that Cuesta Peraza is no stranger to controversies. In 2022, amid another wave of blackouts, he wrote that he had “his heart in scrub mode”, a phrase that many Cubans living without refrigeration, water, or enough food interpreted as mocking. The current publication follows the same pattern: an attempt at empathy, disconnected from reality.
"What a cynical woman. She spends her life traveling and flaunting her luxuries, without caring about the misery in which this town lives.", reads one of the most shared messages. Another comment noted: "If it were up to you, the Virgin would be on strike. Not even the devil protects you."
Cuesta Peraza accompanied her “owned mango” on recent tours in Vietnam, China, and Laos, where she was photographed wearing designer dresses, eye-catching accessories and participating in official events that contrast with the living conditions of Cubans.
“While she travels in air-conditioned planes and strolls on red carpets, the people cook with firewood, sleep without electricity, and survive in the dark,” another person reported.
In the midst of the decline in quality of life, the use of religious references by government figures has been seen by many as opportunism. "What a bold face they have, please", wrote a user.
"Cynicism has no name", added another. There are also numerous comments with a more spiritual tone: "The Virgin protects us, yes, but from you, who have mistreated us for over 60 years."
Citizens' anger has also been directed at the symbolism behind their words. The Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is a figure deeply revered by Cubans, a symbol of faith and resilience for millions. The mention of her by someone they consider part of the disconnected elite was seen as an act of appropriation.
"Do not manipulate the faith of the people. The Virgin is with those who suffer, not with those who mock.", some expressed. Another comment was more direct: "You cannot deceive or manipulate the Virgin. She knows well what we carry inside. You have nothing of empathy, piety, charity, humility, or simplicity..."
Some users mixed religion with political criticism: "Because of the sin of idolatry, this nation is in its current state." Others pointed out: "You are protected by bodyguards, not by the Virgin."
The lack of empathy and the excess of privilege were recurring themes. "They have no shame. They don’t experience blackouts, they never lack a meal with dessert. They live like kings while the people suffer," wrote a woman. Another post with dozens of reactions stated: "We thank Our Lady of Cobre for protecting us from them".
Some remembered how, in past decades, the Cuban regime persecuted religion and imprisoned believers. “Are they now believers? After decades of militant atheism, they suddenly found faith. What a great convenience,” quipped an internet user.
There were also mentions of her unofficial public role. Although she does not hold the title of First Lady, Cuesta frequently appears at official events, diplomatic visits, and state media. "They don't want her to be called First Lady, but she travels as one. She lives like an oligarch, with zero accountability," wrote another Cuban.
The level of indignation was such that many questioned why he maintains a presence on social media. “The best thing he can do is to keep quiet and stop offending the people. His words are a slap in the face to those who have nothing,” expressed a user.
The popular anger also became personal. Among the harshest comments, some said: "May God punish you for laughing at the people"; "You didn't step off the planes for even a minute while the people were in the dark", or "May the Virgin never hear you again, for the good of the people".
Among the most impactful messages was read: “You thank the Virgin while the people live like animals. I hope you feel the heat, the hunger, and the desperation at least one day in your life.”
The publication by Cuesta Peraza, far from generating empathy, has served as a catalyst for the deep discontent permeating Cuban society, which no longer tolerates pious rhetoric from pharisaic communists or empty words while daily life unravels. Faith, for many, remains alive. But not faith in those who govern.
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