The Cuban influencer Mirelis, known on social media as @mirelis_narraciones, has sharply criticized Lis Cuesta, the wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The storm has left large areas in eastern Cuba submerged and thousands of families without homes or essential supplies.
"Has anyone seen her? It seems like Cuba's first lady has forgotten what the real people look like. Where is she? I haven't seen her with muddy sneakers, distributing medicine, food, or water, or even offering a word of hope and solace to those who have lost everything," Mirelis questioned in a TikTok post that quickly went viral.
With a tone of irony and disappointment, Mirelis further commented: "Where is that compassionate woman from Holguín? The one who boasts of being revolutionary? Lis, your hometown Holguín, your people, your neighborhood are still underwater, and I haven't seen a single picture of you with the children whose mattresses are soaked."
Her message triggered a wave of comments and reactions on social media, with many users echoing the question: Where is Lis Cuesta?
The public absence of Díaz-Canel's wife amid one of the country's worst humanitarian crises has sparked significant criticism regarding her role and her alleged "revolutionary sensitivity."
This isn't the first time Cuesta has faced backlash for her silence during times of tragedy. Dubbed the "unofficial first lady," she has long been perceived as privileged and disconnected from the struggles of the Cuban people.
Lis Cuesta frequently appears as a true representative of power, joining her husband at international banquets, Communist Party events, and official trips, often seen in designer dresses, adorned with jewelry, and accompanied by escorts. Yet, when calamity strikes the populace, she is nowhere to be found.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Cuban people find themselves asking the same question as Mirelis: Where is Lis Cuesta when Cuba needs her?
Lis Cuesta's Role and Public Perception
Why is Lis Cuesta criticized for her absence during crises?
Lis Cuesta is criticized because she is perceived as disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Cubans, often absent during times of crisis, despite her public role as the wife of Cuba's leader.
What sparked the social media outrage against Lis Cuesta?
The outrage was sparked by influencer Mirelis's viral post questioning Cuesta's absence and lack of visible support for those affected by Hurricane Melissa.