Cubans Respond to Lis Cuesta: “Anyone Can Endure Like You Do”

The remarks made by Lis Cuesta Peraza, the wife of Cuba's ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, regarding the supposed resilience of Cuban women to "endure and advance," have ignited a storm of reactions on social media. Especially on Facebook, more than 1,600 individuals have voiced their responses laced with sarcasm, outrage, and deep frustration.

Cuesta's attempt to deliver a message of female empowerment backfired, as many criticized her for being completely out of touch with the country's harsh realities. One user commented on an article from CiberCuba, "Ma'am, pack your bags and take the first flight because your story is nearing its end."

Another comment drew a stark comparison to French Queen Marie Antoinette, notorious for her disregard for her people's suffering: "This lady sometimes reminds me of Marie Antoinette: 'If they have no bread, let them eat cake.' Some people need a month of living in a Central Havana tenement to come back to reality," an internet user bluntly stated.

Historical Comparisons and Public Outcry

The parallels with history continued, with several wishing for Cuesta to meet a fate similar to that of the French queen, emphasizing that "living in a bubble" does not grant her the moral authority to speak for the people.

One frustrated user commented, "She needs to spend a few days here in Central Havana, witnessing elderly people scavenging for dirty cans and a tenement full of hungry children… That would give her more perspective."

Much of the criticism revolved around the stark contrast between the luxury Cuesta enjoys and the daily struggles of Cuban working mothers. "Any Cuban woman and mother with young children and elderly at home could endure if they lived like you. With constant electricity, all kinds of food, and world travel… that's how you endure," remarked a mother.

Personal Criticisms and Indignation

Critiques also targeted Cuesta personally, from her appearance to her clothing: "The other day, she wore a blue dress with blue shoes. Anyone with blue shoes has shoes in all colors. Cuban women, if they're lucky, have one pair and have to endure with those."

Another user sarcastically pointed out, "Ms. Lis, I dare say that the wonderful way you do it, anyone can endure and advance. Of course, with a full fridge, a Gucci bag, and traveling the world next to your dictator."

The general sentiment in the messages was of indignation and exhaustion. Some expressed pity, others anger. "My mother, at 93, without electricity, without gas, with a pension of less than 3,000 pesos… I better not comment further because I feel ashamed," shared a follower of CiberCuba's page.

Everyday Struggles of Cuban Women

Sarcastic invitations were not lacking: "I invite you to spend a week at my house, doing the chores my mother does. Chasing after the milk bag for breakfast, dealing with blackouts from 10 to 3 and other days from 3 to 7. When you've experienced that, then talk about Cuban women."

The Cuban people, who face daily shortages, blackouts, inflation, and a collapsing healthcare system, made it clear that they do not feel represented by a public figure who, according to many, "lives like a millionaire" while the population struggles to survive.

Far from enhancing her image, Lis Cuesta's words sparked a fresh wave of social discontent. In a country where endurance is a necessity rather than a slogan, the message from the "non-First Lady" was seen as an insult rather than recognition.

Selected Comments

"I invite her to be my mom for a week: make magic in the kitchen, care for an elderly person, turn off the power, chase after milk, deal with blackouts… Then talk about Cuban women."

"Living like her, anyone can endure and advance. These people need to stop."

"Too much cynicism and hypocrisy. It's very difficult for anyone to achieve personal fulfillment under the current situation in Cuba."

"That lady has a thirst for prominence."

"You're right, endurance suits us wonderfully. If only everyone could try it… but some only know how to recommend it from comfort."

"Does she think she can speak for all Cuban mothers who have nothing to feed their children? What a shame of a First Lady."

"Here, the only one advancing is her majesty, who doesn't step off a plane, dresses and wears exclusive items. She doesn't suffocate from coal smoke or exhaust from blackouts. That's how you can endure."

"She's changed so much, surely she's endured so much that her change has advanced… Another one mocking the people."

"Let her put herself in the shoes of one of us, those who work for a salary that doesn't even cover feeding our children."

"Let her live on 3,500 pesos, without transportation, without milk, with a sick child and 12-hour blackouts… and then see if she can endure."

"How dare she speak for Cuban mothers if she's never had to put a child to bed without milk or bread."

"She should be ashamed to appear with a watch worth thousands of dollars while today's Marianas can't even buy a pain reliever."

"She's so disconnected she seems like a fictional character, surrounded by luxury, while Cuban women perform magic to survive."

"Any Cuban woman would endure the same as you, if she had an escort, a car, air conditioning, and a closet full of imports."

"She has no idea what 'endure' means. Let her wait in line for chicken, cook with firewood, and wash by hand. Then we can talk."