A post on the Facebook page of Cubadebate, featuring excerpts from Miguel Díaz-Canel's speech delivered on November 4, 2025, at the Palace of the Revolution during the 20th anniversary of the People's Summit and the "No to FTAA" event, has unleashed a wave of criticism on social media.
"Principles are non-negotiable, and the dignity and courage of the people are stronger than all the weapons of the most powerful empire in history. On this path, there have been both advances and setbacks that seem painfully definitive at times, but the struggle continues. The historic victory we celebrate today is a fundamental incentive in facing the enormous challenges we encounter today, with unity as our shield and bulwark," quoted the state-run media outlet in a post that sparked outrage online, highlighting the frustration of millions of Cubans.
The triumphalist tone of the message, amidst the country's ongoing economic, social, and health crises, generated over a thousand comments within hours, most of them critical or openly mocking.
One of the first critical comments read, "What nerve." Another individual remarked, "That archaic speech is tiresome. Boring. The Cuban people are dying slowly." "What dignity is he talking about?" questioned another user, while one woman asserted, "The cup is overflowing, people are tired of so many lies and lack of everything."
Many comments focused on the stark contrast between the leader's words and daily life on the island. "Two pounds of rice at the store in three months," noted one reader. Another quipped, "What's the point of the FTAA if there's no economic development project, just badmouthing the prosperous neighbor." "The puppet is disgusting now," commented another. "Cuba is sinking right under your nose, Canel. Tell Machi to pack up and go with Putin," wrote a user, referring to Raúl Castro.
One commenter stated, "Principles don't fill stomachs or quench thirst. People don't want to endure; they want to live, not be mired in shame. Stop the nonsense."
Other users expressed their frustration directly with insults and sarcasm. "Pinocchio at bat. What a jerk," wrote one. "Cuba has become a concentration camp for extermination, a Nazi government," opined another. "Resign, sir, there's nothing more to give," urged a third. "66 years of regression and wants more," "Send food, medicine, and lower prices," and "Nice words, but we don't see results," echoed in other comments.
References to the scandal involving former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil were also frequent. "You have no principles, as shown by the Alejandro Gil scandal," pointed out one user. "He talks about dignity, but his family lives like bourgeois," wrote another. "It's the people's lives at stake, not your speeches," added another comment.
Some users broadened their criticism to the government's overall management. "Inept, lying, opportunistic PCC government and entire power clique," commented one user. "What approval rating does our 'unelected' president have among our people?" asked another. "We don't eat, heal, light up, or dress with principles," wrote a woman. "Dignity doesn't fill the stomach," added another.
The Cubadebate post exceeded 1,200 comments in less than 24 hours, an unusual number in official digital spaces, where filtered or favorable messages typically prevail. This time, the rejection was widespread.
The criticisms came after a week marked by other episodes of public discontent. Days earlier, Díaz-Canel had claimed that "the measures have been effective" following Hurricane Melissa, prompting another wave of indignant responses from Cubans who reported a lack of attention in devastated areas and communities that had to seek shelter in caves.
Later, during his visit to Río Cauto in Granma, the leader reiterated that "no one will be left helpless," without specifying timelines or aid mechanisms. In recent comments, several users recalled those unfulfilled promises: "He said the same thing in Río Cauto, and families are still waiting for help," wrote one person. "Nice words, but we don't see results," pointed out another.
The thread of responses reflects a widespread rejection of the official discourse, deemed by many as empty and disconnected from the country's reality. Although the expressions varied, the prevailing idea was the same: slogans about principles and dignity don't solve hunger or the deterioration of daily life in Cuba.
Understanding the Cuban Public's Reaction to Díaz-Canel's Speech
Why did Díaz-Canel's speech cause such an uproar among Cubans?
Díaz-Canel's speech was perceived as triumphalist and out of touch with the harsh realities faced by Cubans, sparking widespread criticism and frustration among a populace struggling with economic, social, and health crises.
What were some key criticisms expressed by Cubans in response to the speech?
Many Cubans criticized the disconnect between Díaz-Canel's rhetoric on dignity and the severe lack of basic necessities like food and medicine, highlighting the failure of the government to address these pressing needs.
How did the public react to the government's response to Hurricane Melissa?
The public expressed outrage at the government's claim of effective measures post-Hurricane Melissa, citing a lack of support and inadequate response in severely affected areas, leading to further public discontent.