It is often said that hypocrisy involves preaching morality while clutching a Rolex in one hand. In Cuba, this hypocrisy comes with names: Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife, the so-called "non-first lady," Lis Cuesta Peraza. As the Cuban populace endures one of the worst economic crises in decades—marked by severe shortages of food and medicine, power outages lasting up to 20 hours, and near-medieval poverty—the "royal family" indulges in luxuries akin to those enjoyed by the affluent classes they publicly denounce.
The latest display of this audacity occurred at the International Pedagogy Congress 2025, an event ostensibly aimed at "education, science, and innovation for sustainable human development." Naturally, Cuesta Peraza, an indefatigable advocate of "cultural tourism" and coordinator of the panel "Internationalization of Education in the Knowledge Society," was deemed a fitting spokesperson for "sustainability" and "education."
Her presentation, an "intellectual luxury" matching the watch she wore, was removed from the event's website. Yet, social media exposed the Aigner Ladies Watch Dogna Silver-Gold that the modest Ministry of Culture (MINCULT) official acquired with her salary. A triviality valued at 549 euros! Aigner's claim of representing "craftsmanship, top quality, and timeless design, along with luxury, trend, and fashion spirit since 1965" may seem like exaggeration, but it's just a small detail for someone advocating for equity and social development!
From the Bible she held, with a paper protruding that read, “This is the quote about…”, no comments. As well as her attire for the occasion.
Previously spotted wearing a Cartier watch worth thousands during her doctoral thesis defense, Cuesta Peraza seems to have studied the concept of "social equality," but practicing it remains elusive. In her version, the "equity" promoted by the socialism imposed as the sole ideology—and defended as a last resort to legitimize totalitarianism—is not incompatible with the image of a starving, oppressed population while she flaunts her luxury jewels at international events.
Undoubtedly, her deleted presentation included a fierce critique of the inequality in the capitalist world—the same world where the watches and accessories she and her circle enjoy are sold. Because the "non-first lady" is not alone in this display of luxury amid widespread misery. Her husband, too, has been spotted with high-end watches on multiple occasions. In 2019, he sported a TAG Heuer worth $1,750 during a visit to Sancti Spíritus. In 2024, he epitomized hypocrisy with a Rolex GMT Master II priced at $13,000 while welcoming the Cuban delegation from the Paris Olympics—all in a country where most workers earn less than $20 a month.
The extravagance extends to the stepson of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) First Secretary, Manuel Anido Cuesta, who has been seen on "international tours" with a Montblanc Extreme 3.0 briefcase worth $1,385.
The "advisor" and "family dissident," presented as a "consultant" to the leader, has a penchant for luxury brands, something observed by Cubans wondering how his salary allows him to sport a look worth over $3,000 alongside his partner, actress Ana de Armas, in Madrid, Tuscany, and other idyllic locales in capitalist Europe.
While Cubans desperately seek food, the family enthroned in the Palace by the grace of dictator Raúl Castro parades in designer accessories costing more than a Cuban family earns in a decade. This spectacle of opulence unfolds at an event filled with sponsors curiously including organizations like UNESCO, the British Council, and UNICEF, theoretically dedicated to equity and development.
Alongside them, Cuban companies like ETECSA—known for its exorbitant rates in a country where connectivity is a luxury—and the state sugar group AZCUBA, which might explain where the sugar, now scarce on the average Cuban table, has gone. Other institutions like Mipymes Guajiritos S.R.L., Dofleini, and the UCI (University of Computer Sciences) troll farm mingle with the regime in this "education for development" circus.
The contradiction is so stark that even Orwell wouldn’t have dared to write something so brazen: a conference on "sustainable development" where the wife of a leader who calls for austerity and sacrifice flaunts luxury watches while the people lack even bread. A government that chants "socialism or death" but struts around with designer accessories imported from Europe. A regime that fills its mouth with talk of "equality," while its elite enjoys privileges that would make even a Gulf monarchy blush.
How much longer must the Cuban people endure this shamelessness? How many more luxury watches will join the parade of ostentation by the "royal family"? Shouldn't La Machi part with her jewels to ease the suffering of Cubans or Palestinians, to whom she dedicates melodramatic tweets with "a heart in mop mode"?
While Cuesta Peraza and Díaz-Canel continue their "playhouse" with the people's sweat and hunger, the gap between revolutionary propaganda and harsh reality widens. And though they may adorn their wrists with gold and diamonds, history has already condemned them to the pages of infamous and contemptible figures.
Examining the Hypocrisy of Cuba's Leadership
What luxury item did Lis Cuesta display at the International Pedagogy Congress 2025?
Lis Cuesta was seen wearing an Aigner Ladies Watch Dogna Silver-Gold, valued at 549 euros, at the International Pedagogy Congress 2025.
How does the Cuban regime's display of luxury contradict their public stance?
The Cuban regime's public stance promotes socialism and austerity, yet leaders like Lis Cuesta and Miguel Díaz-Canel flaunt luxury items, highlighting a stark contradiction between their rhetoric and lifestyle.