Lesyanis Portilla, a Cuban residing in Spain since 2017, took to TikTok to share her insights on the current state of affairs in the country. In a video that has sparked numerous reactions, she remarked, "Spain is becoming Cuba, my friend, open your eyes, this is turning into Cuba."
Portilla described how the cost of living has significantly increased since she first arrived in Spain seven years ago. “The first apartment I rented only cost me 280 euros, but now even a shared room costs much more,” she explained. She also highlighted the rising prices of essential goods: “Olive oil is almost 10 euros, but that doesn't bother me much because in Cuba, I didn't even have oil.”
Expressing concern over public healthcare, she added, “If you have a heart attack, it might take hospitals two years to schedule an appointment... and if something happens to you on the street, people might prefer filming you with their phones rather than helping.” Despite her criticisms, Lesyanis expressed gratitude to Spain: “This country has given me all the opportunities that Cuba never did, but we started like this and had to flee.”
The video by @lesyanisportilla has sparked a wave of comments and divided opinions. Some supported her views: “We Cubans are from the future, and they still don't believe us”; “Spain is heading towards Cuba or Venezuela, as a Venezuelan who's been here 21 years, I can tell”; “Exactly, I don't know what they're waiting for to oust Sánchez.”
However, not everyone agreed: “This is not Cuba, nor will it ever be, not even the color of the sky”; “Inflation is worldwide, apartments in Miami cost 2000 dollars”; “Bipartisanship is what got us here.” Some blamed the political system, while others argued that the situation is more complex than it appears.
The discussion is ongoing, with Cubans, Spaniards, and Venezuelans all voicing their perspectives. For some, Spain seems to be on a concerning trajectory, while others maintain that the differences with Cuba remain vast.
Understanding Spain's Economic Challenges
What are the main concerns raised by Lesyanis Portilla regarding Spain?
Lesyanis Portilla highlighted the rising cost of living, including skyrocketing rental prices and expensive essential goods like olive oil. She also expressed worries about the public healthcare system's inefficiencies.
How have people reacted to Portilla's video on TikTok?
Reactions to her video have been mixed, with some supporting her views about Spain's trajectory and others strongly disagreeing, arguing that Spain's situation is different from Cuba's.