Related videos:
The renowned Cuban actor Luis Alberto García harshly criticized the organization of political events by the Cuban regime amidst the severe health, energy, and economic crisis the country is experiencing. Through a message posted on his Facebook profile, the artist expressed his disagreement with the call for forums and parades that, according to him, are disconnected from the national reality.
"Honestly, I don't think this national polycrisis is the appropriate context for continuing to invent parades and platforms. The country is falling apart. Are those who exist in that 'other' dimension unaware of this? Do they know and continue to press on with their agendas anyway? Do they want to offer a show for the people to those who are visiting us right now?" wrote García in a text where he also lamented the political use of these mobilizations.
The actor recalled how, in his childhood, public events were experienced without pressure, and he criticized the mandatory and repressive nature of current demonstrations: “I resonated with the events of my youth where attendees were present without being pressured. Everything that came afterward, like ‘he who doesn’t jump is a yankee’ or ‘those who don’t participate should face the consequences,’ is, at the very least, pathetic,” he declared.
García joked about the real usefulness of these convocations and proposed a more empathetic alternative for the victims of the health crisis: "It would be more patriotic, empathetic, and consistent to dedicate the platform, the march, or the CONGA to those sick and deceased from arboviruses in the Matanzas provinces. Just saying." He concluded with an uncomfortable question: "Gaza and Caracas shouldn't come before Matanzas and Cárdenas. Right?"
The regime calls for a new platform for Venezuela
Luis Alberto García's statements come just hours after the Cuban regime announced a new “Tribune in Solidarity with Venezuela”, scheduled for this Friday, October 17, at 7:30 a.m. in Havana, in front of the statue of Simón Bolívar. The event aims to denounce the actions of the United States against Nicolás Maduro's government.
The announcement comes amidst an unprecedented health crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed by outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever, a shortage of medications, exhausted medical staff, and thousands of Cubans standing in long lines at hospital centers without IV fluids or reagents.
"The contrast is evident: political platforms yes, medicines no," denounced CiberCuba Noticias, questioning why the regime prioritizes ideological events over the health of the people.
Tribune for Palestine: Another Recent Precedent
On October 9th, the government organized a massive political event in support of Palestine at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana. According to official figures, over 100,000 people were mobilized, despite the fuel shortages and the collapse of public transportation.
School and work buses were used to ensure attendance, while the rest of the country experienced another day of paralysis due to a lack of transportation. The event was led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta, and the leadership of the Communist Party. On social media, Díaz-Canel justified the mobilization by stating that “being today alongside the people of Palestine [...] is to uphold the Martian principle that Homeland is Humanity.”
Ideological priorities over economic ones
This type of action reflects the political agenda set by the regime for this year. In December 2024, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero made it clear that 2025 would focus on strengthening political-ideological work, defense, and internal order, even prioritizing it over economic matters.
“The political aspect constitutes the foundation upon which all other actions must be built,” Marrero said before the National Assembly, thus justifying the use of state resources for ideological purposes, even in the midst of a crisis.
While the Cuban people face blackouts, hunger, disease, inflation, and the collapse of basic services, the government continues to rely on platforms, marches, and slogans, instead of concrete solutions. And amidst this official silence, a voice from Cuban art has articulated what many think: "The country is falling apart."
Frequently Asked Questions about Luis Alberto García's Critiques of the Cuban Regime
Why does Luis Alberto García criticize the marches and platforms of the Cuban government?
Luis Alberto García criticizes the marches and forums organized by the Cuban government because he believes they are disconnected from the national reality and are inappropriate in the midst of the severe health, energy, and economic crisis the country is experiencing. The actor denounces that these events are used for political purposes while the urgent needs of the people, such as health and the economy, are ignored.
What alternatives does Luis Alberto García propose instead of political mobilizations?
Luis Alberto García suggests that it would be more patriotic and empathetic to dedicate the tribunes and marches to the victims of the health crisis, such as those who are ill and those who have died from arbovirus outbreaks in provinces like Matanzas. He believes that these actions should prioritize the well-being of the Cuban people over international solidarity with other countries.
How does the Cuban government respond to criticisms regarding its ideological priorities?
The Cuban government justifies the conduct of political acts, stating that politics is the foundation upon which all other actions should be built. Despite the severe crisis the country is facing, the authorities continue to prioritize the strengthening of political-ideological work, defense, and internal order over the economic and social needs of the Cuban people.
What impact does Luis Alberto García's critical stance have on Cuban society?
Luis Alberto García's critical stance toward the Cuban regime resonates with many citizens both inside and outside the island, who identify with his denunciations regarding living conditions in Cuba and the government's disconnection from the reality of the people. His voice joins those of other public figures who also criticize the regime's decisions, contributing to a growing social discontent and a call for reflection on the need for changes in the country.
Filed under: