In a characteristically polarizing and ironic tone, Rubén Remigio Ferro, the president of Cuba's Supreme Court, declared that over a million Cubans participated in what was called the "combatant people's march" on December 20th. "How can we not feel proud to be Cuban? You want to talk about democracy? Tell me something about this march of more than a million people! Forced? Nonsense!" the Cuban official wrote on the social media platform X.
His statement was met with criticism from numerous Cubans, who voiced skepticism about the inflated attendance figures reported by Cuban state authorities. "And what did those four sheep marching solve? Because all the fuel for those buses was taken from us in the small towns of Cuba, where we were subjected to 18 hours of blackout that day," commented one user.
Another individual questioned, "Are you sure it was more than a million people? And if we want to talk about democracy, unless you think democracy is about herding people onto buses to participate in a march that didn’t have a million people."
A further critique pointed out, "Democracy: if you missed it, you were penalized at work with several days’ pay deducted, and as a student, you received a disciplinary record. Very democratic indeed," noted another user.
According to an analysis by CiberCuba, the images broadcasted and attendance tracking suggest the actual number might be significantly lower, possibly around half a million—much less than the official claim. This report emphasizes that the Cuban government often exaggerates participation figures to project an image of widespread popular support.
Additionally, it has been alleged that many attendees were compelled to participate through their workplaces or educational institutions, a common tactic in such events. Images revealed how some workers were transported in trucks typically used for other purposes, highlighting the poor conditions under which many attendees were brought to the march.
There have also been noted contradictions in official speeches and government narratives, labeling the event as part of a propaganda strategy aimed at diverting attention from the country's ongoing economic and social challenges.
Understanding the "Combatant People's March" in Cuba
What was the purpose of the "combatant people's march" in Cuba?
The march was intended to project an image of strong popular support for the Cuban government, although it has been criticized as a propaganda effort to distract from the country's economic and social issues.
Were participants forced to attend the march?
Reports suggest that many participants were compelled to attend through their workplaces or educational institutions, a method commonly used in such events in Cuba.
How accurate are the attendance figures reported by the Cuban government?
Analyses indicate that the actual attendance was likely significantly lower than the government's claim of over a million participants, with estimates suggesting around half a million attendees.