The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, faced significant backlash after applauding the massive protests that erupted on Saturday, April 5, in the United States. These demonstrations were aimed at opposing the authoritarian tendencies of the new administration under Donald Trump. Through his account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rodríguez praised the #HandsOff movement, which organized protests across all 50 U.S. states and garnered support from over 150 civil organizations.
"Millions in the 50 U.S. states and in a dozen locations worldwide joined the #HandsOff protests to stand against authoritarianism, fascism, and the violation of human rights promoted by the plutocracy ruling that country," Rodríguez stated.
However, the public's response was swift, especially from Cubans both on the island and abroad, who reminded him of the systematic repression his own government enforces against any public dissent.
"It's called democracy… you choose who to vote for and can protest if you disagree. Something you can't do… you always vote for the same failed model and it's very difficult to protest without ending up in a worse situation," commented one user.
Another added, "Bruno, you must be shocked to see millions freely protesting in the streets against their president. You're not used to such scenes."
One more observer remarked, "Let's hope that when the Cuban people take to the streets again, you'll say the same thing when they rise against your corrupt government and the bloodiest dictatorship in the Americas."
The Cuban government, through official spokespersons and media controlled by the Communist Party, amplified images of the marches as if they were an external crisis. However, Cuban activists like Magdiel Jorge Castro responded forcefully, "It's fortunate that in the U.S., liberal democracy allows protests. In the regime you represent, it's prohibited."
The #HandsOff movement emerged as a response to policies enacted during the second term of former President Trump, many of which are now being pushed with greater intensity due to the influence of billionaire Elon Musk and his leadership of the controversial Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE).
Protesters opposed the shut down of social programs like Medicare and Medicaid, the mass layoff of federal employees, and the removal of protections for vulnerable communities such as immigrants, transgender individuals, and racial minorities.
The core demands include ending billionaire control over public institutions, protecting essential social programs, and expanding rights and protections for marginalized communities.
In stark contrast, any attempt at protest in Cuba is criminalized, met with arbitrary detentions, digital blackouts, overwhelming police presence, and smear campaigns. Although Article 56 of the Constitution recognizes the right to peaceful assembly, there is no complementary legislation in the island that ensures its actual practice, rendering it ineffective.
Understanding Protests and Democracy
What sparked the #HandsOff protests in the U.S.?
The #HandsOff protests were initiated in reaction to policies from Donald Trump's second term, now being implemented with more force, including social program cuts and layoffs.
How does the Cuban government respond to protests?
In Cuba, protests are often met with severe measures, including arbitrary detentions, digital blackouts, and strong police presence, despite constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
What are the main demands of the #HandsOff movement?
The movement calls for the end of billionaire influence over public institutions, the protection of crucial social programs, and the expansion of rights for marginalized groups.