Related videos:
Citizen outrage erupted this Sunday on social media, especially on the Facebook page of CiberCuba, after Lis Cuesta Peraza, the wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, published a visceral message demanding respect for Venezuela amid rising military tensions between the United States and Nicolás Maduro's regime.
Cuesta's comment, which accompanied an official post from her husband, sparked a wave of negative reactions that have left a mark on public opinion. Her phrase “Respect the people of Venezuela, damn it!” was the catalyst for a strong and massive response: “Respect the people of Cuba, damn it!,” thousands of internet users echoed.
In a matter of hours, the Facebook post received over 2,000 comments, the majority of which were fierce criticisms directed at the "not first lady" of Cuba and the ruling elite of the island, accused of hypocrisy, double standards, and cynicism.
A fiery phrase... and a fiery reaction
The use of a vulgar word like "carajo" in Cuesta Peraza's message not only surprised with its informal and aggressive tone but also ignited the spark of a people weary from blackouts, hunger, repression, and institutional neglect.
"Respect the people of Cuba, whom you have plunged into misery," wrote a user, summarizing the general sentiment. Others pointed out the disconnect between the official discourse and the realities faced by citizens: "What the hell do I care about Venezuela? I've been without power for almost a day; that's the concern of an everyday Cuban."
Streetlamp light, darkness at home
The popular phrase “street lamp and darkness at home” was repeated again and again by hundreds of users, referring to the Cuban regime's focus on external matters while the situation within the country worsens every day.
“First take care of your people, then you can talk about others”, stated a visibly upset user regarding the interventionist stance of the Cuban government in the Venezuelan conflict.
The criticism goes beyond the specific comments of Cuesta Peraza. Many have condemned the use of state resources to sustain international ideological alliances, such as the shipment of oil from Venezuela to Cuba, while citizens face shortages of food, medicine, and electricity.
Accusations of cynicism and vulgarity
The language used by Cuesta Peraza faced strong criticism. “A woman in her position cannot express herself that way,” commented one user, who described the phrase as “an unacceptable vulgarity for a public figure.”
Others were more severe, pointing out that the comment was a desperate attempt to reinforce the regime's rhetoric at a time of evident decline in popular support.
The comparison with figures from other authoritarian regimes was frequent. "They are just like Ortega and Murillo, clinging to power and deaf to the suffering of their people", wrote an internet user.
The people who do not feel represented
A common theme in the comments was the denunciation of a lack of legitimacy among those currently in power in Cuba.
“Neither you nor your husband were elected by the people, you have no right to speak on their behalf”, said one user, while others directly questioned Cuesta's role: “Who are you to talk about politics?”, asked another, echoing the sentiment that her role exceeds the informal protocol it should have.
The population, visibly indignant, recalled the most pressing shortages: prolonged blackouts, closure of hospitals, children and the elderly without medical care, families separated by migration, precarious food security, and political repression.
“With what moral do you ask for respect for another country when ours is in ruins?”, asked another user. “While you travel in your designer dresses and with your thousand-dollar phone, we don’t even have what we need to cook”, was another one of the most shared comments.
A turning point in the official narrative
The level of rejection, insults, and outrage has reached a magnitude rarely seen before.
Although criticism of the Cuban government is common on social media, the tone, reach, and intensity of the comments suggest that Cuesta Peraza's statement may have marked a symbolic breaking point for many Cubans who can no longer tolerate indifference from those in power.
By demanding respect for Venezuela with an outburst, Cuesta Peraza has ended up provoking a massive call for respect for Cuba and Cubans. A cry that cannot be ignored: "Respect the people of Cuba, damn it!"
Filed under: