A video shared on TikTok has once again sparked debate about the role of international leftist activists in the narrative surrounding Cuba, after showing a group of passengers who turned a flight to the island into a political propaganda action.
The images, shared by the account @cubans4cuba, show several travelers holding signs with messages such as "Down with the blockade" while chanting slogans of "Cuba yes, blockade no" inside the airplane. The scene, celebrated by some of those present, is part of a broader campaign driven by leftist sectors in the United States and other countries that advocate a favorable view of the Cuban regime.
This type of initiative is not isolated. In recent days, Havana has welcomed activists and international figures linked to leftist movements, which the government itself has promoted as a demonstration of political support. Among the names associated with these campaigns are the former leader of Podemos, Pablo Iglesias, and climate activist Greta Thunberg, who have been noted for their proximity to narratives that downplay the internal situation in Cuba.
In fact, recent reports from CiberCuba have documented how the regime has promoted events and international visits to project a favorable image of the system amid a deep economic and social crisis affecting the population. These actions have been interpreted by critics as attempts to turn the country into an “ideological showcase” for foreign sympathizers.
On social media, the video of the plane has generated mixed reactions. While some users appreciated the gesture of support, many Cubans harshly rejected the action, labeling it as "ridiculous," "embarrassing," and accusing its protagonists of acting like "the American communist party."
Critics argue that such messages overlook the reality faced by millions of Cubans, characterized by scarcity, blackouts, and a lack of freedoms. For these users, insisting on the embargo as the main explanation for the crisis distracts from the responsibility of the Cuban political system.
The controversy once again reflects the gap between the narrative promoted by ideological sectors abroad and the everyday experience of those living on the island.
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