More than a thousand Cubans have challenged Miguel Díaz-Canel following his assertion that Cuba is more democratic than the United States. The Cuban leader met this week with pro-Castro young Americans visiting Havana and assured them that in Cuba, there are no disappearances or murders, and that there is more democracy because the Cuban people participate and are optimistic.
These statements have sparked outrage among Cuban internet users who find it unbelievable that a leader appointed to his position would speak of democracy and participation.
"This man needs to stop with so much cynicism; it's too much already. The Cuban people live in submission, suffer from hunger, lack of medications, and many other needs, and they don't even have the right to protest about their hardships. Where's the democracy?" questioned a woman from Sancti Spíritus on the Facebook wall of CiberCuba, where Díaz-Canel's words were posted.
"My daughter can't exercise her right to leave the country because she can't get a passport since the Ministry of Health has her 'regulated,' meaning she's condemned to stay in this country until they decide otherwise. Where are her rights? It's unfortunate that we can't directly interact with this man," said a resident of Santa Clara.
"Why doesn't he just stay quiet? Because he and his circle live better than the billionaires in the USA, he's going to claim there's democracy here and that we're better off. Blackouts, lack of running water, sewage flowing like streams, no food, no medicine, dirty and resource-lacking hospitals, no public transportation, and the population emigrating to the USA by the hundreds of thousands, while no one comes to live in his 'paradise'—this shows we're governed by someone ignorant of the people's reality," expressed another internet user.
"What audacity this man has; he should think and analyze his words before speaking. The truth is he has serious problems; we need to remind him of what has happened in the 64 years on this island prison, where Cubans are indoctrinated from birth and have no right to decide or choose," another person noted.
"Aunt Tata's storytelling, it's the same drama for 65 years: there are dead, disappeared, exiled, gag laws—if you talk about the government because you disagree with something, they beat you up, imprison you for as many years as they want, watch you at your doorstep, and don't let you leave, among other things. He should stop lying so much that not even Pinocchio would believe him," a Cuban woman from Miami expressed.
"What rights are you talking about if you can't say what you think because there's a law for everything, you can't peacefully protest because they repress you? Please, I didn't know you, and suddenly Díaz-Canel is Cuba's president. How? That's democracy at his convenience," a man said.
"That's why there's no cement in Cuba, because this guy has a face of concrete. How does he mock the entire Cuban people so calmly? What this clown says, not even La Machi would believe," a father asserted.
Several users lamented that American citizens travel to Cuba and meet with the ruling elite instead of going out into the streets and talking to ordinary people.
"The only thing they know how to do well is lie and keep brainwashing the useful idiots. They should take them for a walk through the neighborhoods so they can see the misery, unsanitary conditions, and marginalization of a country sinking in its own filth," a Cuban remarked.
"What he says is for export, and the saddest part is that many in other countries believe him," emphasized another.
Understanding the Outrage Over Díaz-Canel's Statements
The reactions to Miguel Díaz-Canel's claims about Cuba's democracy have raised several critical questions. Here are some key points people are asking:
Why do Cubans find Díaz-Canel's statements offensive?
Cubans are offended because they believe Díaz-Canel's claims about democracy ignore the harsh realities of their daily lives, including lack of basic needs, repression, and lack of freedom.
What are some of the specific criticisms mentioned by Cubans?
Criticisms include the lack of food, medicine, and public services, government repression, lack of freedom to travel, and the indoctrination of citizens from birth.
How has the international community reacted to Díaz-Canel's statements?
Many international observers are skeptical of Díaz-Canel's statements, recognizing the disparity between his claims and the conditions reported by independent sources within Cuba.