Cuban Leader Díaz-Canel's Right Arm Immobilized Due to Severe Discomfort

Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel announced this Friday that his arm had to be immobilized due to "severe discomfort" and expressed gratitude to those who were concerned about his recovery. "Many thanks to those who have been worried about my arm in a sling and to the excellent medical team that resolved severe discomfort in my shoulder," the president posted on his X account.

He explained that his right arm was "temporarily immobilized" but assured that "the left one is functioning fully, just like the rest of my body. Strong and determined, for the country." Previously, a photograph had circulated showing Díaz-Canel with his arm in a sling, sparking various comments from both supporters and critics.

Díaz-Canel attended the Casa de las Américas to participate in an event where the Haydée Santamaría Medal was awarded to Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka, Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. The president shared a photo on his X account where he is seen partially hidden beside the honoree and behind his wife Lis Cuesta; however, the image of the sling did not go unnoticed by netizens, some of whom reacted and mocked the situation.

"Tell Raúl to loosen the strings," and "Who twisted your arm and broke your right wing?" were some of the comments. On his right wrist, the leader usually wears a Rolex GMT Master II worth $13,000, highlighting the stark contrast between the luxury he flaunts and the poverty in which most Cubans live.