In a recent satirical skit, actor Andy Vázquez, portraying his character Facundo Correcto, sharply highlighted the stark disparity between the Cuban government's propaganda and the harsh reality faced by countless citizens across the island.
Vázquez's video, shared on Facebook, humorously depicted the enthusiastic reception that a group of residents in Guantánamo gave to leader Miguel Díaz-Canel during his visit to areas ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. This act of hospitality has sparked outrage both within Cuba and among the international community.
With his signature biting humor, Facundo mimicked the regime's loyalist rhetoric while simultaneously pointing out the everyday struggles faced by the people.
Facetiously, he remarked that the "Miami wormhole" must be in distress seeing the populace "enjoying" the presidential visit.
"People say he brings us nothing. Well, look, Díaz-Canel brings us a ray of hope, brings us encouragement, brings us enthusiasm. That's why we must always say: 'For whatever you need, Canel, for whatever you need,'" he mocked.
"We have no water, no electricity, no power, no food, but for whatever you need, Canel, for whatever you need," he added, before showing footage of people cheering the dictator.
This repeated phrase served as a sharp jab at those who see the original scene as a symbol of complacency amidst disaster.
Controversial Presidential Visit
On Thursday, the Cuban presidency released a video showcasing Díaz-Canel's visit to communities in the El Salvador municipality, one of the hardest-hit areas by Hurricane Melissa. The footage depicted him surrounded by people touching him, greeting him, and chanting, seemingly with fervor: "For whatever you need, Canel, for whatever you need."
According to government statistics, more than 15,000 homes were damaged, with only a little over 4,000 restored. Issues persist with water supply, severe disruptions to electrical services, and outbreaks of dengue.
Despite these challenges, the official video focused on messages of "honor," "courage," and "revolutionary spirit," presenting the chanting crowd as a symbol of unity, even as communities continue to grapple with hunger, destroyed roofs, and weeks of darkness.
The release promptly triggered a wave of criticism. For many viewers, the images did not signify support but rather an attempt to gloss over an exhausted nation.
"Starving and in need, yet they continue to chant absurdities," commented one user.
Another went further: "Humans live as they think… we deserve what we have." This sentiment, echoed across numerous comments, reflects the belief that public resignation only perpetuates the crisis plaguing the very people.
Public Backlash and Manipulation
Many lamented that the official footage showed applause and slogans in such dire circumstances: "It's the height of irony to applaud pain and misfortune," a woman remarked.
Others criticized what they deemed manipulation: "That's just a small group of militants, look closely at the video: the real people are in the background, unable to get close."
Outside Cuba, the indignation was equally strong.
"That's why I don't donate anything," repeated members of the Cuban diaspora, frustrated by displays of enthusiasm for a political leadership in one of the nation's poorest areas.
An Uncomfortable Reflection
The resurgence of the slogan "For whatever you need," previously used by the government to counter the July 11 protests, reignited criticism over the use of social vulnerability as a tool for political control.
Its reappearance now, amid the chaos left by Melissa, was interpreted by many as a staged effort to mask the government's failure to address basic needs.
Facundo's satire thus acts as a mirror, magnifying the contradiction: a devastated country, a government persisting with triumphalist rhetoric, and a segment of the population that, even under extreme conditions, responds with obedience or without visible opposition.
This combination is precisely what frustrates those who believe that the current situation is not only the result of poor state decisions but also the lack of response from a weary society accustomed to surviving without demanding real changes.
"Every nation gets what it deserves… if they're happy like this, long live Caesar," wrote one user, encapsulating the discontent many feel towards the mix of official manipulation and citizen passivity.
Facundo's mockery achieved what government propaganda sought to avoid: clearly revealing the gap between the image constructed from above and the reality experienced below.
A reality where, despite accumulated tragedy, the same slogans, the same staging, and the same lack of answers persist.
Questions on Cuban Political Satire
What is the significance of Facundo's satire in Cuban society?
Facundo's satire is significant as it highlights the contradictions between governmental propaganda and the harsh realities faced by the Cuban population, encouraging critical reflection and dialogue.
How did the Cuban government present Díaz-Canel's visit to Guantánamo?
The Cuban government presented Díaz-Canel's visit as a demonstration of unity and support, focusing on messages of courage and revolutionary spirit, despite the ongoing struggles faced by the population.
Why did Díaz-Canel's visit spark outrage among Cubans?
Díaz-Canel's visit sparked outrage because many saw it as an attempt to gloss over the severe challenges and hardships faced by Cubans, using propaganda to mask the government's failure to meet basic needs.