Clad in olive green, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel appeared on Sunday at the National Defense Council (CDN) and issued a stern warning to Cubans: any demonstration that disrupts "the peace of our people" will face severe repression. These threats come amid an unprecedented nationwide blackout in Cuba, ongoing since midday last Friday, which threatens to exacerbate the already dire energy crisis that Cubans have endured for years.
“We will not accept nor allow anyone to engage in vandalism or disturb the citizen peace of our people. This is a conviction and a principle of our revolution,” declared Díaz-Canel, appointed by Raúl Castro, while donning his "tough guy" attire.
His message was met with a flood of responses on social media from hundreds of Cubans who recalled the brutal crackdown following the historic July 11 protests. Many expressed their anger and frustration towards the regime through insults, threats, and contempt.
“He's put on his killing suit,” remarked a user on X, referring to Díaz-Canel's threats to suppress any protest, delivered from a palace room in his Civil Defense uniform. “The suspenseful music and his face say it all,” commented another viewer of the videos shared by the Presidency's X account. “Psst. No one's invading you. Or are you dressed up for Halloween already?” another user quipped sarcastically.
Voices of Dissent: Unfiltered Reactions
“This dictator says he won't allow the poor people, who lack peace and freedom, to disturb his and his party's tranquility,” stated a user. “When there’s a single-party system, the blame falls on one,” added another.
“Once they leave, all the ‘temporary’ problems on the island will end. You are Cuba’s biggest problem, a bunch of incompetent, incapable thieves,” expressed a Cuban, echoing the widespread rejection of the regime and its dictatorial leadership.
“He dressed up as a clown, but his face... ufff... can't hide it. That's the face of a mediocre man in over his head,” criticized a social media user.
Cuban Frustration and Calls for Change
“The greatest proof of incompetence is that man dressed as a soldier. If he were one, it would be a uniform. In his case, it's a costume,” reasoned another Cuban.
“Singao, enough is enough. The people didn’t choose you and don’t want you. The Cuban people deserve freedom and want change. It’s time to stop delaying the inevitable. You are incompetent and have destroyed Cuba,” emphasized one of the many internet users expressing their discontent.
“Can someone explain to him that the exceptional situation has been every day for years? And tell him we’re exhausted and don't want to resist anymore.”
“They are so inept and manipulative that they think dressing in green will solve the problems. Understand once and for all, Cuba's problem is you, your ‘government,’ and your political system.”
“While you waste energy on meetings that solve nothing, mothers are crying because their food for their children, some of whom have chronic illnesses and need nutrition and medication, is spoiling, you sons of p….”
“They changed the Singao's clothes as if that would make Guiteras start up”; “The people can’t take it anymore”; “What he’s got on is a sack of salt”; “The main and most complex event is you,” expressed other users.