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Social media erupted in mockery against Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife Lis Cuesta following the publication of an official message in which the ruler rejected Cuba's exclusion, along with Venezuela and Nicaragua, from the X Summit of the Americas to be held in December in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
“ We reject the decision imposed by the U.S. government on the Dominican Republic to exclude three countries, including #Cuba, from the X Summit of the Americas,” Díaz-Canel wrote on his official Facebook and X profiles, echoing the stance already expressed by the island's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The public response was swift. In less than 24 hours, thousands of comments flooded their posts, mostly critical, sarcastic, and openly offensive. One of the most viral comments came from Cuban comedian Andy Vázquez, who wrote: "The Machi was tipped off about the shopping sprees in the malls of La Romana," referring to Lis Cuesta's alleged penchant for shopping during official trips.
“A llorar se les cayó el viajecito a ti y a la Machi,” commented another user. Others left phrases like “Unpack, you and the Machi,” “Did you leave wishing for the all-inclusive in Punta Cana? Don’t get dressed, you’re not going,” or “Worry about the misery the Cuban people are facing, that’s what you should be doing,” reflecting the general tone of mockery and skepticism toward the regime's official complaint.
There were also direct criticisms of the system: "You want to practice democracy outside of Cuba on the international stage, but at home you repress and imprison those who think differently, very deserved, excellent decision," wrote one person. Another comment stated, "It's very good that dictators are not given a platform at a summit of democratic countries, and let them scream as much as they want."
Outrage also spread regarding the daily shortages on the island. “We need electric power; this country is a disaster,” wrote a Cuban. Another one demanded: “Buddy, just solve Cuba's problems, because we are fed up with so many blackouts and so much misery. We've been at this for 65 years. Enough already, man, with the storytelling. Fix my country's issues and stop the nonsense with the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. Enough, enough!”
On X (formerly Twitter), where the message has garnered over 18,000 views, the reactions were even more intense. Among the hundreds of responses, expressions such as: “Dictatorships are not welcome, trash,” “You don’t negotiate with terrorists, you eliminate them,” “There is no dialogue with terrorists,” “Talk to the prisoners of 11J,” “Down with communism,” “I hope you no longer govern your country; it should be free,” “You are a dictator; you can’t demand anything,” and “What could a dictatorship like yours contribute to the nations in the region?” can be found.
Other comments directly resorted to sarcasm and mockery: "I already know you're leaving," "Cry, idiot," "Screw you leftists," "No dictators allowed," "Now say it without crying, dictator," "You all stink everywhere," "Suck it," "Hahaha, bitch."
Amid this wave of criticism, the name Lis Cuesta has resurfaced. Although she does not hold any official position, Cuesta has been widely criticized for her presence on social media and her posts that are seen as provocative, especially during times of crisis for the Cuban people.
In official trips, she has showcased accessories and clothing from international brands, which has generated a constant wave of outrage when contrasting her lifestyle with the widespread poverty. From phones costing over a thousand dollars, designer dresses, to luxury watches, her public appearances have been the subject of scrutiny and ridicule.
During an event on human development, Cuesta appeared wearing an Aigner watch, which was interpreted as yet another indication of the disconnection between the official discourse of austerity and the ostentation of the ruling elite.
On another recent occasion, users pointed out that she should have appeared “in mourning” for the Cuban people instead of wearing an expensive dress in Vietnam, criticizing her presence at every official tour despite not holding any public office.
Cuba's exclusion from the 10th Summit was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, which justified the decision as a way to "ensure the success of the meeting and prioritize democratic representation." They explained that the three countries were not invited because they are not active members of the OAS, the organization that has coordinated this hemispheric forum since its inception.
The Dominican Republic's decision not to invite Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela aims, according to the host government, to promote greater regional participation without ideological polarization. They also clarified that they maintain diplomatic relations with the three excluded countries.
From the Cuban regime, the reactions did not take long to manifest. Through MINREX, Havana denounced what it considered a "surrender" to U.S. pressures and an "ideological offensive," asserting that a Summit built on exclusion is doomed to failure.
However, the avalanche of mockery and citizen criticism seems to have completely overshadowed the institutional tone. For many Cubans, what irks the ruling elite the most is not the diplomatic exclusion, but the loss of another international setting in which to showcase themselves, shop, and enjoy luxury.
A phrase commonly repeated on social media captures the popular sentiment: "Their shopping has been spoiled. Let them stay in Cuba... with the people they so often ignore."
Frequently asked questions about Cuba's exclusion from the X Summit of the Americas and the reaction on social media
Why was Cuba excluded from the X Summit of the Americas?
Cuba was excluded from the X Summit of the Americas along with Nicaragua and Venezuela, as part of a decision by the government of the Dominican Republic to prioritize democratic representation. This decision is justified by the fact that these countries are not active members of the OAS, the organization that coordinates this forum.
What was Miguel Díaz-Canel's reaction to Cuba's exclusion?
Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly rejected Cuba's exclusion from the Summit, accusing the Dominican Republic of yielding to pressures from the U.S. However, his message was met with mockery and criticism on social media, where citizens expressed their frustration with the regime.
What criticisms does Lis Cuesta face in relation to this event?
Lis Cuesta has faced criticism due to her ostentatious lifestyle, which contrasts with the precarious conditions in Cuba. Her public appearances and social media posts have been perceived as provocative and insensitive during times of crisis for the Cuban people.
How did Cubans react on social media to their country's exclusion?
The exclusion of Cuba generated an avalanche of criticism and mockery on social media, where Cubans expressed their discontent with the government of Díaz-Canel. The comments reflected a mix of sarcasm and frustration, highlighting the contrast between the life of the elite and the struggles of the people.
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