An image capturing former Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage Dávila strolling through a street in Havana has gained viral status on social media, inciting a flood of comments and reactions from users.
The photograph, initially shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón on Facebook and further circulated by other profiles, depicts a man whom many believe to be the former leader. He is dressed casually and walking, a stark contrast to the powerful roles he once held within Cuba's regime.
The post quickly sparked debate. While some users doubted the man's identity, others had no trouble recognizing him: "That's Carlos Lage!" they exclaimed.
Comments on the image ranged from surprise and irony to criticism. "From vice president to pedestrian, life's twists are unpredictable," one person noted.
Others took a humorous angle: "He needs the little bag," or "That's the bag remover," referencing Lage's role in eliminating incentive packages for Cuban business sector workers.
Users also highlighted his involvement in unpopular economic decisions, leaving a clear message: "Lage, you reap what you sow."
Amidst the ridicule, some voices called for caution or even defended Lage, highlighting his professional career and suggesting he fell victim to internal power struggles in Cuba.
However, the prevailing tone was one of mockery or relief, revealing the eroded public image of former leaders amidst the country's deep crisis.
Carlos Lage was removed from his position in 2009 without explanation. He has maintained a low profile for years, staying in Cuba and working in the health sector. Some Havana residents claim he often walks to his health clinic.
The viral spread of this image temporarily thrusts him back into the public spotlight, in a context where many Cubans question the legacy of those who led the country for decades, particularly those still in power.
Others emphasize how the Revolution used these men (and many women leaders as well) only to later discard them. The regime applied what Orwell's "1984" describes as "vaporization." This wasn't just a literary metaphor; their lives were erased as if they never existed in Cuba's political landscape. They were silenced, "killed in life."
In January, the reappearance of Felipe Pérez Roque also stirred social media, after being spotted in a BBC image during a tribute to 32 Cuban soldiers who died in Venezuela.
The former foreign minister's face was seen among the crowd in Havana, dressed plainly with a weary demeanor, contrasting his previous political prominence.
Felipe Pérez Roque and Carlos Lage Dávila were ousted at the same time. Fidel Castro justified their expulsion with these words: “The honey of power, for which they knew no sacrifice, awakened ambitions in them that led to an unworthy role. The external enemy was filled with illusions about them.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlos Lage and the Cuban Regime
Who is Carlos Lage Dávila?
Carlos Lage Dávila is a former Cuban Vice President who was dismissed from his position in 2009. He has since kept a low profile and works in the health sector in Cuba.
Why did Carlos Lage fall from power?
Carlos Lage was removed from his position without specific reasons being publicly disclosed. Speculation suggests internal power struggles played a significant role in his fall from grace.
What is the public perception of former Cuban leaders like Carlos Lage?
Public perception of former Cuban leaders like Carlos Lage is mixed, often marked by ridicule and criticism due to their roles in unpopular decisions and the ongoing crisis in Cuba.