An alleged photo of former Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque is taking social media by storm. The image was shared by internet user Siro Cuartel on his Facebook profile, showing a man who bears a striking resemblance to Pérez Roque. The man is seen standing by the window frame of the FOCSA building in El Vedado, looking at his cellphone.
"If you remove the FOCSA behind him and put a Home Depot, Felipito looks exactly the same: shabby," Siro Cuartel mocked.
The photo of Pérez Roque was shared multiple times, with dozens of netizens commenting on his current appearance, which is markedly different from when he led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"He looks like a wanderer, I think he's selling something from a cart, judging by his appearance," said independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada.
"Sad and dilapidated, the poor guy seems too exhausted to condemn anything," affirmed activist Lara Crofs.
"Super arrogant, if he were here in front of me, I'd laugh in his face. He got what he deserved: filth!" expressed a Cuban emigrant.
"Nothing like the luxurious life he flaunted with money from who knows where; now he's just another Cuban," emphasized a Havana resident.
Felipe Pérez Roque, an electronic engineer who rose to prominence as a leader of the Federation of University Students (FEU), had a meteoric political career that peaked when he was promoted to foreign minister in 1999. His downfall came ten years later when he was ousted and replaced by the current minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
The Downfall of Felipe Pérez Roque
Three days after his public removal, Pérez Roque resigned from his positions in the Council of State, the Communist Party, and the National Assembly of People's Power through a letter in which he acknowledged "the errors committed."
Upon the public announcement of his removal, the late dictator Fidel Castro, who had already delegated power to his brother, wrote about the dismissals of Pérez Roque and the former secretary of the executive committee of the Council of Ministers, Carlos Lage:
"I never underestimated human intelligence, nor the vanity of men. [...] No injustice has been done to certain cadres. Neither of the two mentioned in the cables as most affected uttered a word to express any discontent. It was not at all a lack of personal courage. The reason was another. The honey of power for which they knew no sacrifice awakened ambitions in them that led to an unworthy role. The external enemy was filled with illusions because of them," he stated.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Felipe Pérez Roque
Given the recent buzz around Felipe Pérez Roque's alleged photo, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more context and clarity.
Who is Felipe Pérez Roque?
Felipe Pérez Roque is a former Cuban Foreign Minister who served from 1999 to 2009. He was a prominent figure in Cuban politics before being ousted and replaced by Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
What led to Felipe Pérez Roque's removal from power?
Pérez Roque was removed from his position due to what Fidel Castro described as ambitions awakened by the "honey of power." He was accused of playing an unworthy role that led to his dismissal and subsequent resignation from other key positions.
Why has the alleged photo of Pérez Roque caused such a stir?
The photo has sparked significant interest because it shows a drastic change in Pérez Roque's appearance, contrasting sharply with his former image as a powerful government official. This has led to a flurry of commentary and speculation on social media.