Cubans Demand Change as Díaz-Canel Faces Backlash Online

Amidst escalating tensions with the United States, Miguel Díaz-Canel took to social media to condemn Washington's latest sanctions against Cuba, describing them as a "genocidal design plan." However, his Facebook post was met with a torrent of criticism, mockery, and calls for his resignation from Cubans weary of the ongoing crisis.

The Cuban leader stated, "Another week, another list of 'sanctions' against Cuba. It is the U.S. waging war, aiming to suffocate our economy. They intensify their aggression to harm our people further. This is a genocidal design plan, as we reported to the UN less than a week ago."

Public Discontent and Criticism

Among the numerous comments, one stood out for its bluntness: "When you leave, everything will improve for the people." This sentiment echoed throughout the comment section, reflecting the public's frustration with the regime.

Many users sarcastically questioned the mention of "our economy," with one remarking, "What economy?" This comment highlighted the island's economic collapse after years under the current regime's management.

Disconnect Between Government and Citizens

Another comment underscored the disconnect between the ruling class and ordinary Cubans: "Of course, because you are not affected, you have electricity, food, medicine, and everything else. You travel and spend the people's money."

Several users pointed out that the blame for the crisis lies not with the U.S. embargo but with the Cuban government itself. "We have been strangled for years; the fault is yours for mismanagement and ruining this country," one user wrote.

Historical References and Growing Frustration

Another user recalled Díaz-Canel's words from July 11, 2021: "But five years ago, you thought it was a good idea to declare war on your own people then... the combat order is given... is given... is given."

The phrase "tic tac" appeared frequently in comments, symbolizing the perception that the leader's time in power is limited.

Economic Measures Met with Skepticism

One user succinctly summarized the public's view of the government's rhetoric: "He made it clear: 'our economy' refers to their private accounts. The people's economy stopped being of interest to them years ago."

Another comment was even more direct: "Until you leave, the sanctions won't end. You are the ones blocked for being thieves, disastrous, for starving and impoverishing an entire nation, for clinging to power."

The post also faced ridicule over the regime's 176 economic measures, sarcastically dubbed "the lemonade" by Cubans, as it failed to inspire any popular confidence.

Sanctions and Economic Impact

The latest sanctions from the U.S. Department of the Treasury targeted the Ministry of Tourism, Rapid Response Brigades, Territorial Troop Militias, and seven state enterprises. In total, 10 entities were added under Executive Order 14404, signed by Trump on May 1, 2026.

This marks the sixth round of Trump administration measures against Cuba in under three months. Meanwhile, the CEPAL projects a 6.5% contraction in Cuba's GDP for 2026—the worst in Latin America—with a cumulative drop of over 26% since 2020.

U.S. representative to the UN, Jeffrey Bartos, recently addressed the regime's accusations with a phrase that resonated with many Cubans: "There is no U.S. blockade; the only embargo is the guillotine the regime holds over its people."