Abel Prieto, former Minister of Culture and current president of Casa de las Américas, found himself at the center of a social media storm after attempting to defend President Miguel Díaz-Canel with claims that the Cuban people admire and support him. In less than a day, Prieto's comments were met with an overwhelming wave of digital outrage.
Over 5,000 comments, mostly filled with outright rejection, flooded social media in response to Prieto's tweet, which asserted that "the enemy shamelessly lies" and that "our people love, admire, and recognize him as a worthy successor to Fidel and Raúl." Prieto's attempt to support a campaign aimed at improving Díaz-Canel's image backfired spectacularly.
The Backlash Unfolds
The campaign, marked by the hashtag #YoSigoAMiPresidente, was launched in reaction to the backlash against Díaz-Canel's dismissive comment to a hurricane victim: "I don't have a bed to give you now." However, instead of garnering support, Prieto's words unleashed a torrent of criticism.
"Yes, we want him, but far away," wrote one commenter. "Let him call for elections and see if people really want him," added another. The sentiment "Don't speak for me or the people" echoed repeatedly across the posts.
Social Media as a Platform for Protest
The Facebook page of CiberCuba became a virtual town hall meeting, where thousands of Cubans, both within and outside the island, vented their frustrations against the contrived rhetoric of the former minister. The reactions ranged from sarcastic humor to outright anger.
"We want him like we want cassava, underground," quipped one user. "He's admired in his wildest dreams," mocked another. Some even suggested Prieto take Díaz-Canel home if he admired him so much. "Stop mocking the people," they demanded.
Disconnection and Discontent
One comment stood out for its plea: "Please, Abel, stop speaking for those who have no electricity, no medicine, and no bed." Others used the opportunity to dismantle the fiction of unanimous support that the regime tries to project.
As criticism piled on, the phrase "The people do not endorse you, Abel" trended online, with users sarcastically remarking, "The people love you as much as Díaz-Canel," or "Only the people at Casa de las Américas admire him."
A Reflection of Broader Frustrations
The public's anger was fueled not only by daily hardships but also by the stark contrast between state propaganda and lived reality: prolonged blackouts, shortage of basic medicines, and a government that responds to criticism with coercion or mockery.
Prieto's tweet, intended as a show of political loyalty, inadvertently highlighted the growing disconnect between the official narrative and everyday life in Cuba. "They live in a different Cuba, the one with air conditioning and imported goods," said one user. "We live in the one with blackouts, lines, and tears."
Social media once again served as a barometer for discontent. What used to be whispered in lines is now shouted online: "We want him, yes, but in prison or far away"; "We neither want nor admire him; we endure him"; "Let's see if someday they hold a plebiscite and stop speaking for us."
This episode underscores a growing phenomenon: the Cuban regime has lost its monopoly over the narrative. Every attempt to bolster the image of those in power only seems to amplify public frustration.
"The people have spoken, and not on Mesa Redonda," summarized one commenter. "They spoke on Facebook, without fear or censorship, and what they said was simple: enough with the lies."
Cuban Public Opinion on Díaz-Canel
Why did Abel Prieto's defense of Díaz-Canel backfire?
Abel Prieto's attempt to defend Díaz-Canel failed because it contradicted the lived experiences of many Cubans, leading to widespread public criticism rather than support.
How did social media react to Prieto's comments?
Social media was inundated with over 5,000 comments, mostly negative, as users expressed their disapproval and frustration with both Prieto's comments and the Cuban leadership.
What does this incident reveal about the Cuban regime's narrative control?
The incident highlights the regime's diminishing control over the narrative, as the gap between official propaganda and the public's reality becomes increasingly evident.