An elderly Cuban man has captured widespread attention with a passionate verbal protest against Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime, shared in a video on Facebook that quickly went viral. Titled "In His Own Words – Brave Cuban," the video has garnered over 18,000 views, delivering a fervent critique of the island’s ongoing economic and social turmoil.
Standing in the street, the man paints a vivid picture of everyday life for many Cubans: overflowing garbage and deteriorating public services.
"Trash is piled up in the streets for four or five months, leading to diseases. There are no medications, thermometers, or syringes in clinics. We are overwhelmed," he declares.
His rebuke extends to the food shortages, partial dollarization of the economy, and the privileges reportedly enjoyed by the country's top leaders.
"Ministers have everything. They never leave Varadero or the Cayos. We have no rice, no dollars, and they've dollarized the country," he asserts.
The most direct criticisms target Miguel Díaz-Canel, whom he demands step down from office.
"Hey, Canel! Just resign already," he exclaims during one of the video’s most striking moments.
He also lashes out at Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, accusing him of being out of touch with the Cuban people's reality.
"Marrero, you never leave France, and you’ve gotten quite hefty. You're useless, a liar," he states.
Beyond criticism, the man calls for political change. He demands free elections, questions the role of the National Assembly, and accuses the authorities of abandoning the Martian ideals they claim to uphold.
"Hold free elections, dissolve the parliament. Why do we need a parliament that doesn't represent the people?" he asks.
The testimony also highlights the daily struggles faced by many Cuban families. He mentions the high cost of sweets for children, the challenges of buying fuel through the digital appointment system, and the frequent power outages.
"They turned on the lights at four in the morning, but what is this?" he laments.
His words resonate amid a severe crisis on the island. Cuba is grappling with acute shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, while prolonged blackouts affect much of the nation, and the electrical system has suffered multiple nationwide collapses in 2026.
The video closes with a plea to Pope Leo XIV.
"Please pray for these people to come to their senses. May the people of Cuba find happiness," he implores.
This video adds to the growing number of citizen complaints circulating on social media in recent months, as more Cubans use these platforms to publicly express their frustration over the deteriorating living conditions on the island.
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What are the main issues facing Cuba currently?
Cuba is experiencing severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, along with frequent power outages and a struggling economy due to partial dollarization.
How are Cubans expressing their dissatisfaction with the government?
Many Cubans are turning to social media to voice their frustrations, sharing videos and posts that critique the government's handling of the crisis and calling for political change.