Lis Cuesta, the wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, has once again sparked controversy on social media by posting a Christmas message that omitted well wishes for the Cuban people and instead focused on the lack of "solidarity" during the holiday season.
On her X account, she stated: “Days like these should be about SOLIDARITY, from everyone and for everyone, but that’s not happening.”
Accompanying her post was a link to an article by pro-government intellectual Abel Prieto titled "Encounters and Disagreements with Santa Claus." In it, the former Minister of Culture criticizes American Christmas symbols and advocates for a “revolutionary, anti-capitalist, anti-colonial, and anti-imperialist perspective.”
Cuesta's words stand in stark contrast to the harsh reality faced by millions of Cubans this Christmas, characterized by food shortages, prolonged power outages, and rising extreme poverty.
Amid an unprecedented economic crisis, many users criticized the president's wife for discussing solidarity while the government she represents implements policies that have exacerbated inequality and social neglect.
“Yes, Lis. I’m waiting for Díaz-Canel to be full of solidarity and gift me a Cartier or Rolex watch for Santa Claus. Where do you all get so much money for these extravagances?” one user responded.
Ideological Tone and Public Outcry
Others criticized the ideological tone of her message, pointing out that while other countries celebrate with hope and family unity, Cuba’s official discourse insists on associating Christmas with "capitalist consumerism." Ironically, the children of communist leaders celebrate these days in the United States and Europe, such as Lis’s son who lives in Spain.
"Lis, when will your cynicism end? Don’t you know that Díaz-Canel’s idol (Fidel Castro) banned these celebrations because he said they were bourgeois? He banned them for the people, but not for his family. Do you already have a Spanish passport to visit your son in Spain? How insolent can you be?"
The article by Abel Prieto, shared by Cuesta, condemns the increase of Santa Claus figures in Havana’s shops and laments that "Yankee" Christmas symbols are replacing the “Martí-inspired and revolutionary perspective.”
Yet, on Cuban streets, the most visible face of Christmas continues to be that of extreme poverty, shortages, devalued wages, unaffordable prices, and a population increasingly reliant on remittances.
Lis Cuesta once again highlights the gap between the ruling elite and the citizenry, just as Cubans face another year-end with empty tables and absent hope.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Lis Cuesta's Christmas Message
Why did Lis Cuesta's Christmas message spark controversy?
Her message focused on the lack of solidarity and did not include well wishes for the Cuban people, contrasting sharply with the severe hardships they face, such as food shortages and economic struggles.
What was the public's reaction to her message?
Many criticized her for discussing solidarity while representing a government whose policies have increased inequality and social neglect. Some also highlighted the irony of communist leaders' children celebrating in capitalist countries.