The third ordinary session of the X Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) appears to have sparked a rift among the supporters of the so-called “revolution.” One of the latest voices to express dissatisfaction after the conclave is that of writer and filmmaker Eduardo del Llano.
A recognized supporter of the "Cuban revolution," leftist, and controversial figure within the official culture of the Island, Del Llano took to his social media to criticize the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel. Recently, the administration implemented new laws and reported to the ANPP without taking responsibility for the socio-economic disaster created by its management.
“If being left-wing were about blind acceptance, I wouldn’t be left-wing. Believing in a system does not mean supporting everything done in its name. I list some examples from a much longer list...,” said the creator in a Facebook post.
Among his disagreements, the filmmaker stressed, “We need to listen to economists who know, not ideologues with no clue about the matter.”
Precisely, the reports presented by Díaz-Canel's government to the ANPP received criticism from notable economists who held high positions within the Cuban regime, such as the one expressed by Juan Triana Cordoví on Silvio Rodríguez's blog.
“People need to be informed, not just about who gets sacked and why, but about how things are progressing. News needs continuity. Information is not birdseed,” Del Llano also noted, alluding to the dismissal of former Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil Fernández, about whom nothing has been heard since the regime promised a thorough and transparent investigation.
Political prisoners and the “monstrously excessive sentences” given to the 11J protesters also featured among the writer’s critiques. “As long as the right to peaceful protest is not exercised, that part of the Constitution is a lie,” he said, defending the innocent people who remain in jail for exercising their right to protest.
“The expulsion of university professors for expressing their ideas, the regulation of citizens, and exile are as shameful as the acts of repudiation. I don’t dismiss that there might be security reasons that must remain secret, but I can’t imagine any that could justify these specific acts,” Del Llano also pointed out.
As a proponent of dialogue to resolve differences, the intellectual advocated for the need to “accept as interlocutors spontaneous civil organizations like the Assembly of Filmmakers.” Although he admitted he wasn’t part of it, he acknowledged “its legitimacy.”
Finally, showcasing his satirical capacity, Del Llano suggested, “At least hire one skinny minister, and let them remain skinny for a semester afterward.”
“It’s not that bad if they don’t know much about the field, after all...,” the creator concluded, resigning to the incompetence of Cuban leaders and the blatant self-indulgence of the “continuity” government led by Díaz-Canel.
It remains to be seen how his criticisms will sit with the not-first-lady and Ministry of Culture official, Lis Cuesta Peraza, a staunch defender of the beauty of her "mango" and "dictator of her heart," who recently applauded the premiere of the documentary "Democracy," made by Del Llano and presented during the 28th Aquelarre Humor Festival 2024.
In April 2020, in another of his social media posts, Del Llano supported the idea of multi-party politics in Cuba and that all citizens should have the freedom to choose their political affiliation freely.
“I think it’s about time we accept opposition as an integral part of the national concert within the country (of course within certain limits, all societies have their limits). But in principle, the possibility to express your ideas is a right,” he argued.
However, in September of that same year, the filmmaker stated that he supported what those opposed to the totalitarian Cuban regime call “the bloody Castro dictatorship.”
“Let’s see if they finally understand that I SUPPORT what you call ‘the tyranny’ and ‘the bloody Castro dictatorship’... It’s not unconditional support: I’m not a militant, no one pays me, bribes me, or threatens me; I criticize what I think is wrong from here and for a long time, something that most of you never did, but I support it not for what it might have of dictatorship, but for what it undoubtedly has of libertarian and anti-imperialist,” he declared.
Understanding Eduardo del Llano's Criticisms
In light of Eduardo del Llano's recent criticisms of the Cuban government, it is essential to explore the context and implications of his statements. Here are some key questions and answers that delve deeper into the matter.
What prompted Eduardo del Llano to criticize the Cuban government?
Eduardo del Llano was motivated to criticize the Cuban government following the third ordinary session of the X Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), where new laws were introduced without addressing the socio-economic crisis caused by the administration.
What are some of the specific criticisms Eduardo del Llano made?
Del Llano criticized the Cuban government for ignoring expert economists, the lack of transparency regarding the dismissal of officials, the excessive sentences for 11J protesters, and the expulsion of university professors for expressing their ideas. He also highlighted the need for continuous information and dialogue with civil organizations.
How did Eduardo del Llano reconcile his support for the Cuban revolution with his criticisms?
Del Llano clarified that his support for the Cuban revolution is not unconditional. He supports it for its libertarian and anti-imperialist aspects while criticizing what he believes is wrong. He emphasized that believing in a system does not mean endorsing all actions taken in its name.