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While three people lost their lives in Cuba in the last two days due to the rains and landslides —two in Santiago de Cuba and one in Havana—, President Miguel Díaz-Canel took to his social media to congratulate the leaders of Bolivia and China, without addressing the deaths that occurred in his own country.
In a message published on September 28 on X, Díaz-Canel wrote: "Happy birthday, dear brother @LuchoXBolivia. From #Cuba, receive a big hug."
Shortly thereafter, in another post, he celebrated the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and China, sending a “warm hug to the Party, the Government, and the People of the People's Republic of China” and highlighting the “historical and strategic ties” between both nations.
The complete absence of official references to the victims of the collapses has generated strong criticism on social media. Journalist and activist José Raúl Gallego denounced on Facebook: “Three people have died in the last two days in Cuba (two in Santiago and one in Havana) due to the rains and the collapses. And what has Díaz-Canel said about it? Nothing, because they are Cuban deaths, and those do not matter to them.”
Dozens of users supported his post, questioning the leader's disconnection from the reality of the country. "Every day he shows how little understanding he has of the situation of the Cuban people," wrote one.
Another added: “He only talks about the dead in the Gaza Strip. I think he should run for president of Palestine because he doesn’t address the issues here thoroughly.”
This contrast between indifference to local tragedies and Díaz-Canel's international diplomatic activism deepens popular discontent in a country affected by blackouts, economic crisis, and a rapid deterioration of its infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Government's Indifference to Local Tragedies
Why is Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized for not speaking out about the collapses in Cuba?
Miguel Díaz-Canel is being criticized because, while three people died in collapses in Cuba, he did not address the deaths and instead focused on congratulating leaders of other countries on social media. This attitude has generated outrage, as it highlights a disconnection from local tragedies amid an economic and infrastructure crisis on the island.
What was the reaction on social media to Díaz-Canel's inaction regarding the deaths in Cuba?
The reaction on social media was one of strong criticism towards Díaz-Canel for his lack of empathy and attention to the deaths caused by the collapses. Users condemned the indifference of the leader and his disconnection from the reality of the Cuban people, highlighting his focus on international matters while ignoring local issues.
How does the relationship between Cuba and China affect the internal situation of the country?
The relationship between Cuba and China, described by Xi Jinping as a model of solidarity among socialist countries, has intensified Cuba's dependence on China to address its internal crisis, but it has not solved basic issues such as shortages and blackouts. Meanwhile, the Cuban government prioritizes this relationship over the immediate needs of its people.
What does Díaz-Canel's attitude towards the Cuban people indicate in times of crisis?
Díaz-Canel's attitude reflects a lack of empathy and prioritization of local issues, as his focus has been on strengthening international diplomatic relations while serious internal crises persist in Cuba. This disconnect fuels public discontent and underscores the government's ineffectiveness in addressing the urgent needs of its citizens.
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