A Cuban in Spain, identified on TikTok as @lesyanisportilla, has sparked considerable debate after posting a video in which she criticizes various aspects of the European country. In her message, which begins with an ironic "Welcome to Spain," the young woman addresses issues such as bureaucracy, corruption, high taxes, and economic difficulties.
"Welcome to Spain, a country where you can be fined for smoking on the street, but if your house is occupied, nothing happens; a country where young people are having to emigrate to make a living, while politicians retire with golden pensions," says the creator in the video, who also questions social inequality and the sluggishness of the judicial system: "A speeding ticket will reach you in two days, but a trial for corruption can take years. The country where a self-employed person has to pay even if they don’t bill, but politicians get paid even when they don’t work."
The country where a freelancer pays even if they don’t bill, but politicians get paid even if they don’t work
At another point, he adds: “The radars work better than healthcare. Welcome to Spain, where justice is blind, deaf, and dumb. A country where politicians raise their salaries, but healthcare workers are still waiting for the promised increase.”
Her words have sparked hundreds of comments and reactions. While some users supported her statements, viewing them as a realistic description, others questioned her for criticizing Spain as an immigrant.
Among the most repeated messages are those from users defending their right to express their opinions: "She is right and speaking undeniable truths," and "If she works and pays taxes, she can speak like anyone else." Others, however, appealed to gratitude: "I am Cuban and would never speak that way about a country that welcomed me with love." There were also those who interpreted her speech as a warning: "She comes from the future and is merely alerting us to what is coming," wrote one user, while another noted: "She is warning us about what happened in Cuba so that we do not repeat history."
This is not the first time that @lesyanisportilla has sparked debate on social media with reflections of this nature. In a previous video, he stated that “Spain is Cuba, my brother, open your eyes, this is becoming Cuba,” a statement that divided opinions due to his comparison between the Spanish and Cuban realities. On that occasion, he explained that rental prices had risen drastically and that public healthcare was collapsing.
His testimony is not isolated. In recent months, several Cuban creators in Spain have shared similar experiences, some critical and others more optimistic, reflecting different perspectives on the migratory process and life in the European country.
The user @tiempo_con_oli shared her experience searching for housing and described the high demand, elevated prices, and homeowners' fears of squatters as the main obstacles to renting.
In another testimony, @elixir_karen1994 issued a warning to those planning to move from the United States to Spain and stated that the Spanish system is “designed so that you never win, never grow, never have more than them, and live in communism”.
For her part, @marylu7879, based in Palencia, argued that success depends on personal attitude and requested “less complaining and more open eyes” to take advantage of the opportunities the country offers.
The creator @irene.morell.gonz expressed her astonishment at the differences between the two countries and noted that in Spain there is drinking water, well-stocked supermarkets, and punctual public transportation, something unimaginable in Cuba.
Also, @wendhyta_ph debunked myths about life in Spain and clarified that it is indeed possible to live on a minimum wage and that Spaniards "don’t smell bad," as she had heard before emigrating.
The debate sparked by these publications highlights a clear contrast between Cubans who emphasize the difficulties of the Spanish system and those who underscore the opportunities it presents. In all cases, the videos reflect a common reality: the complexity of emigrating and rebuilding one's life away from Cuba, amid an increasingly challenging political and economic context.
Frequently Asked Questions about Criticism of the Situation in Spain by Cuban Immigrants
What criticisms does @lesyanisportilla make about Spain?
The Cuban TikToker @lesyanisportilla has criticized various aspects of life in Spain in her video, including bureaucracy, corruption, high taxes, and economic difficulties. She points out that in Spain you can be fined for smoking in the street, yet if your home is taken away, nothing happens, and she criticizes that young people have to emigrate in order to live while politicians enjoy golden pensions. She also mentions social inequality and the slowness of the judicial system, as well as the high fees that freelancers must pay.
Why did @lesyanisportilla emigrate from Cuba to Spain?
@lesyanisportilla emigrated from Cuba to Spain due to the lack of hope and freedom in her native country. In her testimony, she explains that Cuba took away her freedom, hope, and right to express herself. Despite her love for Cuba, she felt almost compelled to leave because she did not see a future on the island under the current regime.
What opinions has the video by @lesyanisportilla on TikTok generated?
The video by @lesyanisportilla on TikTok has sparked a wide debate among users. Some have supported her words, seeing them as a realistic description of the situation in Spain, while others have criticized her for speaking negatively about a country that welcomed her. There are also those who interpret her message as a warning about the situation in Cuba, hoping it does not repeat itself in Spain.
What has been the experience of other Cubans in Spain according to testimonials on TikTok?
The experiences of other Cubans in Spain have been varied. Some, like @marylu7879, have highlighted the opportunities that the country offers and the importance of adapting to the new reality. Others, like @elixir_karen1994, caution about the economic difficulties and the high cost of living. Overall, these testimonies reflect the complexity of emigrating and rebuilding a life away from Cuba, with challenges and opportunities along the way.
Filed under:
