Miguel Díaz-Canel, the designated leader of Cuba and First Secretary of the Communist Party, once again captured attention during his recent visit to Guantánamo. This time, he let the island's traditional beats take hold of him. After a day spent inspecting recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Oscar, Díaz-Canel responded to the call of the island's folk music and decided to end his schedule with a unique twist: a dance at the San Justo People's Council, as captured by Solvisión's cameras.
From Governance to Dance Moves
Amidst a backdrop of scarcity and destruction left by the hurricane, Díaz-Canel showcased his unique ability to "connect" with the people, leading the "continuity" of his administration to the rhythm of popular music. "Agroecology and culture must go hand in hand," he declared, performing an impromptu dance move worthy of applause during the festive gathering, as reported by the official media outlet Venceremos. The audience, comprising officials, cultural promoters, and locals grappling with damaged roofs and flooded streets, watched in astonishment at this artistic-governance display, all under the vigilant eyes of his bodyguards disguised as officials.
Dancing as a Political Strategy
This isn't the first time Díaz-Canel has utilized dance as a political tool. From the controversial guaguancó during an official event to his memorable casino dance in New York with his wife, Lis Cuesta Peraza, the leader has cemented his reputation as a "dance floor king" on the edge of crisis. Could rhythm be part of the new public management manual? Unconfirmed sources suggest that traditional Cuban dances might become mandatory subjects in the Party's cadre schools.
A Step Forward, Two Steps Back
During his trip to Guantánamo, Díaz-Canel also expressed concern over basic services like potable water and waste management, which face chronic challenges. "Let the community propose which problem to solve first," he suggested, delegating responsibilities with the same flair he used to keep the nengón beat, a rhythm whose simplicity, it seems, "corrects distortions and boosts the economy" through the magical touch of marímbula.
Governance in a Musical Key
The tour of San Justo concluded at the San Pedrito farm, where Díaz-Canel praised local agricultural production and commended the cleanliness of the cultivated area, exclaiming, "This is truly agro with culture!" In a nation where the reality of power constantly defies logic, Díaz-Canel and his advisors believe they've found a unique way to lead the "continuity" through dance, despite the famously stiff posture of dictator Fidel Castro. Amidst blackouts, queues, inflation, and hurricanes, his philosophy appears clear: if you can't solve it, at least dance through it. And so, as the people struggle with daily hardships, the leader follows the rhythm dictated by GAESA, detached from the beat of the nation's needs.
The Story of a Dancing Leader
Over the years, Miguel Díaz-Canel has been involved in numerous musical and dance-related episodes. In 2018, he was filmed dancing casino with his wife Lis Cuesta during an event in New York. Months later, he appeared playing the tumbadora alongside the JG Almeida group at a diplomatic celebration in the United States. In 2020, he surprised the public by dancing at a Descemer Bueno concert at the Karl Marx Theater, visibly enjoying the musical performance. He was also seen dancing at an official event in 2022, amidst criticism sparked by the country's economic crisis. Moreover, unseen images from 2022 show him celebrating at a private party with members of the Castro family and other high-ranking officials. The event featured live music and a festive atmosphere, starkly contrasting with the scarcity faced by much of the population. While the country rapidly approaches an abyss due to his inept management, Díaz-Canel and the state media resort to propaganda to portray an image of closeness and popularity, as if celebrating his last dance in the air-conditioned halls of the Palace.
Questions About Díaz-Canel's Governance Style
How does Díaz-Canel use dance in his political strategy?
Díaz-Canel has been known to incorporate dance into his political strategy by engaging in public performances that aim to connect with the people and convey an image of approachability and cultural integration.
What challenges does Guantánamo face post-hurricane?
Guantánamo is dealing with issues such as damaged infrastructure, lack of basic services like potable water, and waste management difficulties following the hurricane's impact.