The hypocrisy of the Cuban regime is once again exposed with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the son of Lis Cuesta and a so-called "advisor" to the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel. As Cuba grapples with one of its worst crises in decades—marked by daily blackouts, rampant inflation, and a mass exodus draining the nation—this regime insider is leisurely spending time in Madrid, the bastion of capitalism, indulging in a romance with Hollywood star Ana de Armas.
Although he holds no officially documented public position, Manuel Anido has frequently been spotted accompanying Miguel Díaz-Canel on international trips. His presence suggests he holds a position close to the ruler, as he has been introduced to figures such as the Pope and other dignitaries during these travels. Cuban media often label him as an 'advisor', but it's clear to everyone that he is merely a pampered child of the current power structure in Cuba.
Funding the Lavish Getaway: Public or Private Money?
The most troubling question is: how did this official finance his romantic escapade?
Public Funds: If this trip was funded by the state's resources, it is a direct affront to the millions of Cubans living in poverty. In a nation where hospitals lack basic medications and blackouts last for hours, spending public money on personal luxuries is a brazen betrayal of the people. This would not be the first time that high-ranking officials of the regime have used state funds to support their privileged lifestyles.
Personal Funds: If the trip is claimed to have been paid for with his own money, an inevitable question arises: how can a Cuban official, theoretically adhering to "socialist austerity", afford international travel, fine dining in Madrid, and the life of a European playboy? This can only mean that his "personal funds" come from the privileges, connections, and possibly the corruption that characterize Cuba's inner circle of power.
A Direct Insult to the Cuban People
This isn't just an outrage; it's a direct insult to the Cuban populace. While millions of Cubans are trying to rebuild their lives after two widespread blackouts and the devastation of two hurricanes and multiple earthquakes that ravaged both the eastern and western parts of the island, Manuel Anido Cuesta, the supposed presidential advisor and Díaz-Canel's stepson, is enjoying the comforts of Europe. It's unthinkable that someone in such a significant position is on holiday while the country faces one of its most severe crises in decades.
Cuba remains in literal darkness. Blackouts are a constant, leaving millions of Cubans without electricity for hours, sometimes days. Without power, there is no refrigeration for food, when it is available at all, no running water, and daily life becomes a constant struggle. Additionally, thousands of families lost their homes after the hurricanes and have no real hope of recovery, as the government has shown little progress in reconstruction efforts.
The Role of a Presidential Advisor
The devastation is evident in every corner of the island. Children sleep outdoors, the elderly suffer without medicine or electricity, and families who managed to salvage something of their homes live under a roof that threatens to collapse. Meanwhile, Manuel Anido Cuesta, who should be helping design solutions to these issues, chooses to indulge in European luxury.
The role of a presidential advisor is not to vacation while the country collapses. His job should be to lead reconstruction efforts, find urgent solutions to the energy crisis, and ensure that affected families receive support. Instead, Anido Cuesta seems more interested in romantic dinners and sightseeing, living a lifestyle completely detached from the reality of Cubans.
A Slap in the Face to the Cuban People
This behavior is a slap in the face to the Cuban people. In a country where sacrifice and austerity are the words the regime constantly preaches, one official living so blatantly opulently is a clear display of the disconnection and disdain the elite have for those who sustain them. It's time for Cubans to demand accountability. No one who claims to be "revolutionary" should have the privilege of enjoying what is denied to the people.
Ana de Armas' Role in the Story
Finally, Ana de Armas' involvement in this story cannot be overlooked. It's perplexing that an actress who had to leave Cuba to achieve success maintains a relationship with the stepson of a dictator representing the regime that forced so many Cubans like her to flee.
Is She Unaware of His Political Role? Hardly. Ana de Armas is a well-informed public figure, and it's unlikely she ignores the political connections and symbolism of her partner. If she continues the relationship regardless, it suggests a disturbing indifference to the suffering of Cubans.
The Message to Cuban Exiles: Her relationship with Anido Cuesta could be seen as a way to normalize the regime, whitewashing the image of Cuba's ruling elite. For many in exile, this amounts to a symbolic betrayal, a gesture that diminishes the hardships of the Cuban people.
Manuel Anido Cuesta is not just any citizen; he is a representative of the regime that has brought Cuba to the brink of collapse. His behavior is yet another indication that the system does not work for the people, but rather to enrich and protect a corrupt elite disconnected from reality. It's time for Cubans and those who support their cause for freedom to demand transparency, accountability, and real change.