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The not first lady of Cuba Lis Cuesta Peraza returned to Havana after accompanying her husband, the designated leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, on an official tour in Vietnam, China, and Laos.
"Already in the Homeland. We just landed. Nothing compares to the excitement of arriving in this beautiful, rebellious Island," Cuesta wrote on X.
Far from generating sympathy, the post sparked immediate outrage. For many Cubans, Cuesta's enthusiastic tone was a confirmation of his disconnection from the country's reality.
The tourist, a user sarcastically named her. Another directly criticized her: “What a poker face, girl!”. There was also someone reminding her, in a mocking tone, of the nightmare of blackouts: “Now the anxiety from those awful blackouts, which block are you in?”.
The repudiation escalated to harsher expressions, a reflection of public frustration: “You don’t even believe that yourself,” wrote one internet user, while another exclaimed in anger: “Too bad that plane didn’t crash.”
A figure in constant controversy
Criticism against Cuesta is not new. Just a day earlier, on the Day of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, he wrote another message on X:
"Let us give thanks today to the Virgin of Cobre, Patroness of Cuba, for watching over all of us, her children."
That gesture, in the midst of massive blackouts and the death of a worker at the Renté thermoelectric plant in Santiago de Cuba, sparked a storm of questions. For many, his invocation of the Virgin was an act of cynicism and religious opportunism.
The Virgin protects us, but from you, commented a user. Another was even more blunt: “Do not manipulate the faith of the people. The Virgin is with those who suffer, not with those who mock.”
Although she does not hold the official title of first lady, Lis Cuesta appears at protocol events, diplomatic trips, and state media. Her public exposure has made her a symbol of the privileges enjoyed by the Cuban elite, with climate-controlled flights, designer dresses, and red carpets, contrasting with the hardships faced by millions on the island.
"While she travels in air-conditioned planes, the people cook with firewood and sleep without electricity," an outraged user denounced.
The contrast between his life of travel and the routine of shortages in Cuba is what sparks the strongest reactions. His words, which aim to sound compassionate or emotional, end up being perceived as an insult to those who wait for hours in lines, endure heat without electricity, and survive on the bare minimum.
Accumulated discomfort
Lis Cuesta had already been at the center of controversies in the past. In 2022, during another wave of blackouts, she wrote that she had “her heart on scrub mode”, a phrase that was seen as mocking by Cubans who could neither preserve food nor access basic necessities.
Now, her posts repeat the pattern, combining an attempt at empathy that most perceive as provocation, but that receives a flood of criticism, mockery, and public disdain which has made her one of the least liked and most controversial figures in the Cuban public sphere.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lis Cuesta and the Situation in Cuba
Why do Lis Cuesta's posts provoke such outrage in Cuba?
Lis Cuesta's posts generate indignation because they are seen as disconnected from the reality that millions of Cubans face. While the country deals with power outages, food shortages, and other problems, her messages often depict a life of privileges and international travel that starkly contrasts with the daily struggles of the Cuban people.
What is the role of Lis Cuesta as a public figure in Cuba?
Lis Cuesta does not hold an official position as First Lady, but she frequently appears at protocol events, diplomatic trips, and state media. This has made her a symbol of the privileges of the Cuban elite, which draws criticism in a country where the majority face significant shortages.
What has Lis Cuesta said about the criticism she receives?
Lis Cuesta has responded to the criticism with a speech that combines resilience and political loyalty, asserting that "even from the enemy one learns." However, her speech has been seen as a way to downplay the conflict and absorb the criticism without acknowledging the social unrest that fuels these reactions.
How are Lis Cuesta's travels perceived in Cuba?
Lis Cuesta's travels are seen as an unjustifiable expense for a country in crisis. Her presence on official tours is regarded as a symbol of the waste of public resources, as she travels on luxury rented planes while the Cuban population faces blackouts, shortages, and other daily hardships.
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