The Cuban regime attempts to counter ridicule directed at Díaz-Canel by defending the interview where he spoke about "the utopia."

The propaganda apparatus of the Cuban regime adds a new piece to its damage control operation following the scandal triggered by Miguel Díaz-Canel's statement about "utopia" in an interview with RT en Español.

Razones de Cuba —a digital medium linked to State Security— attempts to salvage the image of the ruler by citing as an authoritative source the lawmaker and private entrepreneur Carlos Miguel Pérez Reyes.

The official portal shared a post titled "The Meme vs. Reality: What Díaz-Canel Really Said (and No One Replied)," based on a posting from the deputy where he lists the "10 Most Important Messages" from the mentioned interview. In summary, they would be:

1. Error acknowledgment: Díaz-Canel admitted that previous reforms had design, implementation, and communication failures.
2. Reforms in progress: It was assured that more than 170 transformations have already been identified, and that 121 will begin to be implemented by the end of July.
3. Change the model: He suggested that the goal is to transform the economy and not just manage the crisis.
4. Generate wealth: He advocated for the need to boost production and create wealth before distributing it according to principles of social justice.
5. Economic crisis: He acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, characterized by fuel shortages, import issues, and financial constraints.
6. Rectify if necessary: He pointed out that the measures may be modified if they do not yield the expected results.
7. Social protection: He stressed that reforms must maintain support for the most vulnerable sectors.
8. Foreign investment: It was reaffirmed that Cuba will continue to seek international capital as part of its economic strategy.
9. Bet on dialogue: He stated his willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States and other actors, provided there is mutual respect.
10. "Utopia" was not the focus: The author argues that the controversy surrounding that word overshadowed the true content of the interview, which was centered on economic reforms, production, investment, and structural changes.

Pérez Reyes insists that Cubans "lately end up discussing 10% or less of a story and ignoring the other 90%." He implicitly praised the content he deems relevant in the president's statements.

Who is Carlos Miguel Pérez Reyes?

Pérez Reyes is a deputy for the Playa municipality in Havana. He is also the founder of the technological micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise Dofleini S.R.L..

On several occasions, he has made specific criticisms of the Cuban economic model, asserting that transformation cannot remain merely slogans and depends on three things: "people, energy, and leadership."

However, he is not someone who operates outside the management of the regime, nor does he seek radical changes in Cuba. In March 2026, he reaffirmed his unconditional support for Díaz-Canel with the phrase "I stand by my president."

Why is the regime concerned about the memes of utopia and Díaz-Canel?

Everything began on July 20, when Díaz-Canel responded to the question of whether Cuba could emerge from the economic crisis with a philosophical metaphor: "The utopia is on the horizon. When we take two steps forward, the utopia steps back two steps. And the horizon moves ten steps ahead. What is the purpose of utopia? To keep walking."

He misattributed a statement from the late Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano, and his words went viral immediately, spawning dozens of memes.

Díaz-Canel's statements left Cubans with the clear impression that the regime lacks concrete solutions to overcome the crisis.

On July 24, Cubadebate attempted to defend itself with an article titled "The Utopia of Díaz-Canel, the Same One That Brought Us Here." It Proved Counterproductive. The headline was interpreted as a summary of seven decades of Castroism.