The live appearance of Miguel Díaz-Canel triggered a flood of reactions filled with outrage, mockery, and rejection on social media, where hundreds of Cubans commented in real time while the leader spoke of "unity," "reorganization," and "sacrifices" amid the worst economic and social crisis the country has faced in decades.
Far from generating support or calm, the speech was met with comments describing it as "more of the same," "just empty talk," and a repetition of unfulfilled promises, as reflected in the comments that flooded broadcasts on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
"The same old story"
One of the most frequent complaints was exhaustion over a message that many consider recycled. “Copy and paste. The same old speech,” wrote one user, while another summed up the general sentiment with a blunt, “Blah, blah, blah… liar.”
Several internet users pointed out that Díaz-Canel spoke for long minutes without offering concrete solutions to urgent problems such as the lack of food, medicine, electricity, and drinking water. “How long are you going to keep saying nonsense?” questioned a visibly upset user.
Corruption, repression, and absence of free press
The accusations of corruption and lack of transparency also dominated the chat. Comments like "the entire PCC is corruption" or "there isn't a question that isn't planned" reflected the distrust towards the format of the appearance.
Numerous users questioned the absence of independent and international journalists. "Where is the international press?" and "Why don't they bring free press to ask real questions?" echoed throughout the messages.
Others recalled the existence of political prisoners and the repression against dissenters in Cuba, highlighting the contradiction between the official discourse and everyday reality.
Hunger, misery, and disconnection from reality
The issue of hunger and precariousness permeated many of the reactions. "Grinding poverty has been dealt to Cuba," wrote one user, while others demanded rice, beans, medicine, and decent wages.
"With what money are we going to develop ourselves?" asked a commentator, while others pointed out that the sacrifices always fall on the people, not on the ruling elite.
There were also criticisms regarding what many perceive as a total disconnection of the leader from the real lives of Cubans. Phrases such as "divorced from reality," "does not experience what the people go through," and "speaks from privilege" were frequently heard.
Youth, migration, and lack of future
The mentions of young people triggered a wave of ironic responses and criticism. “Which young people are you going to summon if the majority have left the country?” wrote one user, referring to the massive migration that has emptied entire neighborhoods in Cuba.
Others pointed out that those who remain on the island do so without expectations of progress, trapped between insufficient wages and a system that does not offer real opportunities.
Freedom, change, and end of the model
Among the comments, there were also direct calls for political change. "The alternative is freedom," wrote one user, while others stated that there can be no economic development without political pluralism and the end of the communist model.
Phrases like "there is no development under dictatorship" and "67 years of the same" reflect the accumulated frustration after decades of failed promises and announced reforms that never manage to transform the life of the average citizen.
A thermometer of social discontent
Díaz-Canel's appearance ended up becoming a gauge of the profound social discontent sweeping across Cuba. For many, the message not only lacked concrete announcements but also reinforced the feeling that the regime is trying to buy time while the country's situation worsens.
At the end of the broadcast, numerous users bid farewell to the live stream with messages of fatigue, frustration, and resignation, convinced that once again, the discourse did not offer real answers to the problems that suffocate millions of Cubans.
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