The statements by Miguel Díaz-Canel confirming that Cuban officials have held discussions with representatives of the United States government sparked a strong wave of reactions among Cubans on social media, where criticism, disbelief, and fatigue regarding the situation on the island were widespread.
Many comments focused on the contradiction between the ruler's confirmation and the regime's repeated prior denials. For weeks, Cuban authorities had denied the existence of political negotiations with Washington.
Díaz-Canel himself had denied on January 12 that there were discussions beyond technical migratory contacts, while in February, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that this political dialogue "has not started." However, the leader later acknowledged that Cuban officials have indeed engaged in exchanges with U.S. representatives to "seek solutions through dialogue to bilateral differences," as he explained when referring to the talks between Havana and Washington initiated by Raúl Castro.
The reaction of many users on social media was immediate. Among the comments posted after the ruler's statements were criticisms of the regime and questions about the credibility of his claims.
One of the messages that captured the tone of many reactions was: "Dictators don't leave; they must be ousted, remember that."
Other comments focused directly on the contradiction between what had been previously stated and what the Cuban government now acknowledges.
“But didn’t they say no?”, wrote a user.
In the same vein, another comment was raised: “But didn't you say that Trump was lying? That they weren't in dialogue?”.
Incredulity also appeared in numerous messages. One of them stated: “So, yes or no? You can't believe anything this people say.”
For other users, the confirmation simply comes too late, as they believe the situation was already publicly known. One comment encapsulated that sentiment: “Everyone in the world knew that, nothing new.”
There were also reactions filled with sarcasm: “I knew it, you knew it, they knew it, we all knew it... And he just found out...”.
Some comments criticized the expectations generated around the announcement. One of them wrote: “Well, I went back to sleep since I woke up early for no reason.”
Others directly questioned Díaz-Canel's role within the Cuban political system. “He has always been a puppet,” stated one of the messages.
In a similar comment, it was noted: “You already recognize that Raúl Castro is in charge, and that you are his puppet.”
Critics also focused on what some see as a common practice of the regime: first denying certain information and then admitting it once it becomes undeniable.
This is to show once again that they are always lying, stated a comment.
In the same vein, another user wrote: “It’s always the same: they keep saying that everything is a lie and then come out saying the opposite when it suits them.”
Some interpreted the confirmation as a sign of political pressure on the Cuban regime. One of the most shared comments stated: “Hahahahahaha they're so scared that they have had to admit they are talking to Washington.”
The discomfort caused by the economic and energy crisis faced by the country was also evident in the reactions. In one of the messages, it read: “I have no electricity.”
Another comment described the situation of a family amidst the blackouts: “It has been 36 hours since I last heard from my mom, with no water, no electricity, no medicine; Cuba is paralyzed. There is no transportation. What more do they want from the Cuban people?”.
Other users insisted that the announcement does not provide immediate solutions to the country's problems. One comment summarized this perception: "So, was there a conversation or not? They have the clarias confused".
Many messages summed up their reaction with a brief phrase that was repeated in different variations: “Bla, bla, bla”.
Díaz-Canel himself confirmed that Cuban officials have held conversations with representatives of the U.S. government to explore solutions to bilateral differences. He explained that these exchanges occur under the guidance of the historical leadership of the regime.
“Led by the Army General as the historical leader of our revolution and by me,” the ruler stated, explicitly referring to Raúl Castro.
The confirmation comes after weeks during which Cuban authorities publicly denied the existence of political negotiations with Washington, which partly explains the skepticism reflected in many comments.
The acknowledgment of these conversations comes amid a severe energy crisis on the island. Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, Cuba lost a significant portion of the Venezuelan oil that sustained its electrical system, which worsened blackouts throughout the country.
At the same time, Washington has increased political and economic pressure on Havana, while contacts have been reported between U.S. officials and figures close to Raúl Castro's circle.
In that context, Cuban state television recently showcased the presence of Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of the former Cuban leader known as “El Cangrejo”, during a meeting of the regime's top leadership where the state of relations with the United States was discussed, as reflected in the public appearance of Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro at a high-level meeting on relations with the U.S..
Meanwhile, among the Cubans who reacted on social media, there was a prevailing mix of skepticism, criticism of the regime, and fatigue over a situation that many consider unsustainable.
As one of the most shared comments summarized: “Dictators don’t leave; they have to be removed, remember that.”
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